Navy Yard Tour - 19th Stop
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 Gen. Archibald Henderson b. 1783 - d. 6 Jan 1859 77 yrs. R55 S171
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  • Father of the Marine Corps. Commandant of the U.S. Marines, 1820 - 1859.
  • On board the Constitution, and commandant of the marine corps in the celebrated battle between the ship and the Guerrier, during the War of 1812.
  • Went off to the Florida Indian War leaving a note he would return when the war was over.
  • President Buchanan attended his funeral.
  • It is reputed his portrait fell off the wall when the first woman to join the Marines was announced.
 Comm. Isaac Chauncey b. 1772 - d. 27 Jan 1840 68 yrs. R50 S165-S
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  • Entered the Navy in 1799 as 1st Lieut.
  • He served under Comm. Truxton in 1800 and commanded the "John Adams" in the attacks on Tripoli in 1804.
  • During the War of 1812 he supported operations in the Great Lakes region.
  • Commandant of the Navy Yard at New York.
  • Served twice on the Naval Board of Commissioners, the second term extending to his death.
 Princeton Explosion 29 Feb. 1844   R54 S146
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  • The “Peacemaker” gun was being tested aboard the Princeton on Feb. 29, 1844. A large number of dignitaries aboard including the President. At the final test, the gun exploded and five of the dignitaries were killed:
    - Abel Parker Upshur, Secretary of State
    - Capt. Beverly Kennon, Chief of Bureau of Construction & Equipment and 6th commandant of the Navy Yard (1841-1843)
    - Thomas W. Gilmer, Secretary of the Navy
    - Hon. David Gardiner of New York
    - Hon. Virgil Maxcy of Maryland .
  • The funeral procession of the first 4 terminated at the Public Vault
  • Upshur & Kennon were interred here until their remains were taken to Oak Hill in 1895.
 Samuel L. Southard b. 1787 - d. 26 Jun 1842 55 yrs. R55 S141
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  • Secretary of the Navy (1823 - 1829).
  • Secretary of War ad interim in 1824.
  • Secretary of the Treasury ad interim in 1825.
  • Governor of New Jersey (1832-1833).
  • U.S. Senator from NJ (1833 - 1842).
 RAdm. Louis M. Goldsborough b. 1867 - d. 1945 39 yrs. Wirt Vault
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  • 24th commandant of the Navy Yard (1870-1873).
  • Born in D.C. and entered the Navy at age 11. Veteran of two wars -- Mexican War and Civil War.
  • Superintendent of the Naval Academy (1853-1857)
  • Commanded the European Squadron (1865-1867).
  • The son-in-law of Attorney General Wirt.
 Comm. Daniel T. Patterson b. 1786 - d. 25 Aug 1839 53 yrs. R55 S150
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  • 4th commandant of the Navy Yard (1836-1839).
  • Patterson Street in the Navy Yard is named for him.
  • Taken prisoner in Tripoli in 1805.
  • Commanded the Constitution (1824-1828). Served in the Mediterranean under Comm. John Rodgers.
 Comm. John Rodgers b. 1772 - d. 1 Aug 1838 66 yrs. R56 S152
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  • One of the most heroic of our early navy commanders. He entered the Navy in 1798.
  • Fought the Barbary powers and was appointed Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron in 1805.
  • During the War of 1812 he captured 23 ships and led the successful defense of Baltimore when the British attacked in 1814.
  • Headed the Board of Navy Commissioners until retiring in 1837.