Commodore John Barry (1745-1803)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Following the creation of the US Navy in 1794 under President Washington, Barry was appointed first commissioned officer and Secretary. He oversaw construction of the nation's first fleet. He won numerous naval victories during the American Revolution, many on the Delaware River. Irish-born Barry came to Philadelphia as a youth and assumed command of his first ship at age 21. He remained in naval service until his death at Strawberry Mansion.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
John Barry went to sea as a boy from Ireland and rose to command his own merchant ship in Philadelphia by his early twenties. During the Revolution he won a string of daring engagements, many along the Delaware River, and after independence President Washington named him the first commissioned officer of the new United States Navy, where he oversaw the building of its first frigates. Often called the 'Father of the American Navy,' he served until his death in 1803.
Why it matters
Barry helped create the seagoing force that would defend the young republic, linking Revolutionary sacrifice to the permanent institutions of the new nation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.2 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.3 mi away
- Powel House0.3 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Museum of the American Revolution0.3 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.3 mi away
- Science History Institute0.3 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- USS Becuna0.1 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.1 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.2 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.4 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.3 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.3 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.3 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Buddakan0.4 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee0.4 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.4 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landingnearby · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old Citynearby · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.2 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels0.3 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.3 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.3 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John Barry
- · George Washington
Themes & tags
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