John Paul Jones Memorial

Commodore John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones Memorial in 2008
John Paul Jones Memorial in 2008
LocationIntersection of 17th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.
Coordinates38°53′17.63″N 77°2′22.2″W / 38.8882306°N 77.039500°W / 38.8882306; -77.039500
Built1912
ArchitectCharles H. Niehaus (sculptor)
Thomas Hastings (architect)
Part ofAmerican Revolution Statuary (78000256)[1]
East and West Potomac Parks (73000217)[2]
L'Enfant Plan (97000332)[3]
Significant dates
Designated CP• July 14, 1978 (American Revolution Statuary)
• February 6, 1985 (East and West Potomac Parks)
• April 24, 1997 (L'Enfant Plan)
Designated DCIHS• November 8, 1964 (East and West Potomac Parks)
• March 3, 1979 (American Revolution Statuary)
• April 24, 1997 (L'Enfant Plan)

The John Paul Jones Memorial, also known as Commodore John Paul Jones, is a monument in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. The memorial honors John Paul Jones, the United States' first naval war hero, and received the Congressional Gold Medal after the American Revolutionary War ended. Jones allegedly said "I have not yet begun to fight!" during the Battle of Flamborough Head.

Born in Scotland as John Paul, he emigrated to the United States in the 1760s and added Jones to his name. He had been a seaman since the age 13 and when the war broke out with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, he joined the Continental Navy. He was soon promoted to captain and commanded his first ship, USS Providence, followed by USS Ranger. After his decisive win at the Battle of Flamborough Head, he continued raiding ports and British ships, endearing him to French citizens. His last ship was USS America, which he used to collect money from countries that owed debts. For his service in the war, Jones was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the only naval officer to receive one.

Jones died in France and his grave was not discovered by Americans until 1906. His body was brought back to the U.S., and there were immediate calls for a memorial to be erected in Washington, D.C., to honor one of the Revolutionary War's greatest heroes. Congress approved the memorial plans and allocated $50,000 for its installation. The dedication ceremony took place on April 17, 1912, with prominent attendees including President William Howard Taft, First Lady Helen Herron Taft, Navy Secretary George von Lengerke Meyer, and Horace Porter, who was responsible for locating Jones' grave. Charles H. Niehaus was the sculptor and Thomas Hastings, a partner in the Carrère and Hastings firm, was the architect.

The memorial is located at the terminus of 17th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW, near the Tidal Basin. The bronze statue, depicting Jones watching a battle while wearing a military uniform, stands on a tall marble pylon. Decorative elements include inscriptions, carved eagles, and carved dolphins used in small fountains. The memorial is one of 14 American Revolution Statuary listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. It is also a contributing property to the East and West Potomac Parks Historic District and the L'Enfant Plan.

  1. ^ "National Register Information System – American Revolution Statuary (#78000256)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "National Register Information System – East and West Potomac Parks Historic District (#73000217)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "National Register Information System – L'Enfant Plan (#97000332)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013. Retrieved October 9, 2024.

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