Commodore John Barry (1745-1803)

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