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Commodore John Barry

Commodore John Barry monument on the Boston Commons

In the Boston Commons is a commemorated plaque of Commodore John Barry. It lists all the accomplishments that he did to help win the American Revolution.

John Barry was an officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later in the United States Navy. He has been credited as being "The Father of the American Navy" and was appointed a captain in the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775.

Commodore John Barry

Interesting Facts about John Barry and the Memorial.

  • John Barry was born on March 25, 1745 and Died on September 13, 1803.
  • The tablet was commissioned in 1949 by Boston's Mayor James Michael Curley. The Mayor felt bad that there wasn't a memorial to John Barry - he wanted Bostonians to remember John Barry. The tablet was placed on the Boston Commons on October 16, 1949.
  • On April 5, 1975, the tablet was stolen allegedly by some college students. It was mysteriously returned a few years later. The original tablet is now hanging in the USS Constitution Museum at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
  • The original tablet was done by John Francis Paramino - who also did the Founders Memorial and the Declaration of Independence memorial and the John Endicott Resident Plaque among many others around the City of Boston.
  • The Henderson Foundation funded the granite reproduction in 1977.
  • President Kennedy displayed John Berry sword in the Oval Office - he admired John Barry. The sword is now in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  • Four United States Navy ships have been named in honor of him.
  • John Barry is buried in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Text of the Memorial

Father of the American Navy
Commodore John Barry
Borm in Wexford Ireland 1745
Died in Philadelphia 1803
Received First Commission
From the Continental Congress
To Command the Lexington 1775
Sailed from Boston on the Raleigh 1778
Acclaimed in Boston in 1780
For Victories on the Alliance
Appointed in 1794 By President Washington
To Plan the Construction of And
Later to be in Command
Of First U.S. Navy
Launched 1798
Erected by the City of Boston
James M Curley Mayor
1949
Tablet restored by the George B. Henderson Foundation, 1976

Located

The Tablet is located on the Boston Commons on Tremont Street near Template Place.

 

About

There are many interesting things and places around Boston, MA that you should know about. Here are a few that caught my attention. From historical sites such as the USS Constitution Museum, the Freedom Trail, and the iconic Fenway Park, to modern attractions like the New England Aquarium, the Boston Public Market, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a fun family trip or a romantic getaway, Boston has it all.

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