John Barry

Birth	25 MAR 1745
Military			USA Navy / Commodore / Revolutionary War
Navy	17792		PA Privateer Delaware, Commander
Navy	1781		USS Alliance (1778), Captain
Death	13 SEP 1803
Grave

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 this first ship at age 21. He remained in naval service until his death at Strawberry Mansion. Read More