U.S.S. United States
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
First vessel completed for new U.S. Navy. Frigate was launched near here May 10, 1797. Flagship of Capt. John Barry; builder was Joshua Humphreys. In 1812, under Capt. Stephen Decatur, Jr., occurred its celebrated capture of H.M.S. Macedonian. Vessel scrapped at Norfolk, 1866.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
The frigate U.S.S. United States was the first vessel completed for the newly created United States Navy, launched near this spot on the Philadelphia waterfront in 1797 from the design of shipbuilder Joshua Humphreys. She first sailed as the flagship of Captain John Barry, a founding hero of the Navy. In the War of 1812, under Stephen Decatur, she won lasting fame by capturing the British frigate H.M.S. Macedonian before finally being scrapped at Norfolk in 1866.
Why it matters
As the first ship of the U.S. Navy, the United States embodies the birth of American sea power, and her 1812 victory helped prove the young republic could stand against the world's greatest navy.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.4 mi away
- Powel House0.4 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Hill-Physick House0.4 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.5 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.5 mi away
- Museum of the American Revolution0.5 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- USS Olympia0.1 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.1 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.4 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- USS New Jersey0.4 mi away · Wiggins Promenade, Camden, NJ
- Carousel0.5 mi away
- First Bank of the United States0.5 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.5 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.6 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.6 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.6 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffee0.6 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.6 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing0.3 mi away · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.4 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.4 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.6 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.6 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Barry
- · Joshua Humphreys
- · Stephen Decatur
Related events
- · Capture of HMS Macedonian
Themes & tags
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