Brief text setting theme(s) and basic message for this page. Maximum of about 50-100 words in two or three paragraphs.
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This page features a selection of iconic naval images from the U.S. Navy's early years, 1783-1812.
Click the small photographs to prompt a medium resolution view of the same image, the words "hi-res" to bring up a high-resolution JPG reproduction, and the words "Picture Data" to access the Picture Data Sheet for that image.
After the War for Independence, American commerce was increasingly attacked by Barbary (North African) corsairs. To fight this menace, the first steps were taken to form a Navy. Congress authorized construction of six large cruisers ("frigates"). Six former Continental Navy officers were appointed to command them. John Barry was the senior Captain. To avoid fighting an expensive war, the United States met the Barbary states' demands for "tribute" payments. The American frigate-building program was slowed or stopped. |
![]() Photo # NH 85796-KN Picture Data HI-RES |
![]() Photo # NH 76537-KN Picture Data HI-RES |
![]() Photo # NH 54797-KN Picture Data HI-RES |
However, the warring nations of Europe, especially France and Great Britain began their own attacks on defenceless American commercial shipping. The U.S. set up a Navy Department, with Benjamin Stoddert as Secretary, and resumed frigate construction. France was particularly aggressive. The U.S. acquired more warships and a sharp undeclared war began in the western Atlantic and the West Indies. In three years, many French warships, privateers and merchantmen were captured. A peace treaty was signed in 1801. |
![]() Photo # KN-2882 Picture Data HI-RES |
![]() Photo # KN-10902 Picture Data HI-RES |
![]() Photo # KN-10849 Picture Data HI-RES |
Text about the first stages of the Barbary Wars, and the appointment of Edward Preble to command. Maximum length about 50 words. |
Text about the bombardment of Tripoli and subsequent events in the Barbary Wars. Maximum length about 50 words. |
![]() Photo # NH 65536-KN Picture Data HI-RES |
![]() Photo # NH 44647-KN Picture Data HI-RES |
For more Iconic Naval Images, see:
NOTES:
If you want other reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions." |
Page IN WORK 29 March 2009