Historical Profile: John Barry

Boston, MA. - Known as the "Father of the American Navy" John Barry (March 25, 1745 - September 13, 1803) was born in Wexford, Ireland. On December 7, 1775, Barry was selected as a captain in the Continental Navy. He was the first captain appointed to command a United States warship commissioned under the Continental flag. 

John Barry plaque - Boston, MA.
In 1797, Barry was selected as the first commissioned United States naval officer. He was granted the rank of commodore by President George Washington. During his 13-year naval career, Barry commanded the following U.S. warships: Alliance, Delaware, Lexington, Raleigh, and United States. Barry died at the age of 58 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

There is a plaque dedicated to John Barry located on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts.



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