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this Tuesday, March 18, 1:30 pm
JIBBOOM CLUB #1
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, this Tuesday James Gallagher will talk about Commodore John Barry, who became known as the Father of the American Navy during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
Irish born and raised, John Barry started at an early age to learn the ropes to become an astute sailor and an effective ships’ Captain. While trading many years between Philadelphia, PA and the West Indies, and later in the British Isles, he earned his first Ship’s command at the age of 21. Two hundred and fifty years ago in 1775, the Continental Congress created the American Navy. Barry volunteered out of a sense of justice and integrity. As a Naval Officer, his initial task was to oversee the construction of the first 13 vessels in the American Navy. He was also given command of two vessels.
At the onset of the Revolutionary War, in 1776,, he helped raise the morale of a struggling American military by capturing the first British naval ship. He had many more sea victories thereafter. On shore, he provided naval support for General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. President Washington tasked Barry to create a system to train Midshipmen to become Ensigns as the nucleus of a new American Navy. Barry considered New London to be a possible critical port during the war. However, after his ship visited New London his impression of New London became less favorable. During the end of the Revolutionary War, he saved a cargo of silver bullion which was then used to establish a National Bank for the new Nation. At the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Barry led a group of citizens to help save the passage of the American Constitution. Barry’s on shore and at sea contributions were duly recognized, and in 1798, John Barry was commissioned Commander of the Flagship “United States”. He was also titled Commodore, serving as Squadron Commander of the entire American Naval Fleet.
Join us on Tuesday afternoon, March 18 to learn more about Commodore Barry. Generously sponsored by the Maco Family Fund!
Jibboom will be followed by a meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
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