Christopher Raymond Perry (December 4, 1761 – June 1, 1818) was an officer in the United States Navy who was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for Washington County, Rhode Island , in 1780 and served until 1791. He was the father of Oliver Hazard Perry and Matthew Calbraith Perry .
115-584: Perry was born on December 4, 1761, in Newport, Rhode Island , the son of the Hon. James Freeman Perry (1732–1813) and his wife, Mercy Hazard (1739–1810). Christopher's father, Freeman, was a physician and surgeon. Perry's paternal great-grandfather, Edward Perry, came from Devon , England , in 1637 and settled in Sandwich, Massachusetts , where he married his wife, Mary Freeman, in 1653. On his mother's side Perry
230-647: A midshipman in the United States Navy, at the age of thirteen, on April 7, 1799. Perry sailed aboard USS General Greene , of which his father was commanding officer, on her maiden voyage in June 1799. The ship made its first stop in Cuba , charged with receiving American merchant ships and providing escort from Havana to the United States. Perry's service aboard General Greene continued during
345-505: A yellow fever epidemic struck the ship which forced her to return to Newport on July 27. General Greene departed on her next cruise to Santo Domingo on September 23. On December 1 she, along with the frigate USS Boston captured the schooner Flying Fish and recaptured the American schooner Weymouth . Among other duties General Green intercepted supplies to rebels fighting to overthrow General Toussaint Louverture who had led
460-462: A 1787 law prohibiting residents of the state from trading in slaves. Slave traders were also breaking federal statutes of 1794 and 1800 barring Americans from carrying slaves to ports outside the United States, as well as the 1807 Congressional act abolishing the transatlantic slave trade. A few Rhode Island families made substantial fortunes in the trade. William and Samuel Vernon were Newport merchants who later played an important role in financing
575-683: A British seaman and taking passage to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. From St. Thomas he took passage to Charleston, South Carolina , shortly before the war's conclusion in 1783. After the war, Perry served as a mate on a merchantman which sailed to Ireland where Perry was able to bring his beloved Sarah to the United States. They were married in Philadelphia on August 2, 1784. The young couple then moved to South Kingstown, Rhode Island , where they lived with Perry's parents on their 200-acre estate. Their first child, Oliver Hazard Perry,
690-468: A boarding party could inspect the merchantman. Perry fired a shot across the bow of the boat, and the captain of the British warship brought his ship alongside the much smaller General Greene . When the British captain demanded to know why Perry had fired on the boat, and remarked that it was very strange that a British ship of the line could not board an American merchant ship, Perry replied, "If she were
805-467: A boy, Perry lived in Tower Hill, Rhode Island, sailing ships in anticipation of his future career as an officer in the United States Navy. Perry came from a long line of naval men from both sides of his family. His mother taught Perry and his younger brothers to read and write and had them attend Trinity Episcopal Church regularly, where he was baptized by Reverend William Smith on April 1, 1794, at
920-564: A decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie, receiving a Congressional Gold Medal and the Thanks of Congress . His leadership materially aided the successful outcomes of all nine Lake Erie military campaign victories, and the victory was a turning point in the battle for the west in the war. He is remembered for the words on his battle flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship", which was a tribute to
1035-527: A first rate ship (i.e. a ship mounting 100 guns), she should not do so to the dishonor of my flag!" Apparently, the incident was resolved without further conflict. General Greene returned to Newport on July 21, 1800, where most of her crew was discharged. Perry was given orders to maintain General Greene in a high state of readiness, should her services be needed. A Court of Enquiry was held on various lapses in obeying Orders and other conduct during
1150-523: A hard-fought, but indecisive, action in which Trumbull suffered 8 killed and 31 wounded compared to the Watt ' s 13 killed and 79 wounded. Perry then enlisted on another privateer which was captured off the coast of Great Britain. He then was taken as a prisoner to Newry Barracks in Ireland where he met his future wife, Sarah Wallace Alexander (1768–1830). Perry managed another escape by masquerading as
1265-573: A promotion to the rank of Captain . This was one of 27 Gold Medals authorized by Congress arising from the War of 1812. Elliott was also recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal and the Thanks of Congress for his actions in the battle. This recognition would prove to fan the flames of resentment on both sides of the Elliott–Perry controversy. In recognition of his victory at Lake Erie, in 1813 Perry
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#17327721390531380-460: A rank in the U.S. Navy but, rather, the title of an officer in command of a squadron of two or more ships. Perry first held the title of commodore when he took command of the Lake Erie squadron in 1813. Note – Time gaps between assignments were probably in a "waiting orders" status. Many locations in the United States are named in his honor, including: The national monument commemorating Perry
1495-470: A rich port began with the immigration of a second wave of Portuguese Jews , who settled there around the middle of the 18th century. The new settlers had been practicing Judaism secretly for 300 years in Portugal, and they were attracted to Rhode Island because of its freedom of worship. They brought with them commercial experience, connections, capital, and a spirit of enterprise. Most prominent among them
1610-708: A small boat to request that the American vessel pull down its flag. Faithful to the words of his battle flag , "DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP", a paraphrase of the dying words of Captain James Lawrence , the ship's namesake and Perry's friend, Perry, with Lawrence ' s chaplain and purser as the remaining able crew, personally fired the final salvo . He then had his men row him a half-mile (0.8 km) through heavy gunfire to transfer his command to USS Niagara . Once aboard, Perry dispatched Niagara 's commander, Captain Jesse Elliott , to bring
1725-722: A substantial part of their fortunes in the Old China Trade . By the turn of the 20th century, many of the nation's wealthiest families were summering in Newport, including the Vanderbilts , Astors , and the Widener family , who constructed the largest "cottages", such as The Breakers (1895) and Miramar (1915). They resided for a brief summer social season in grand mansions with elaborate receiving rooms, dining rooms, music rooms, and ballrooms—but with few bedrooms, since
1840-504: A successful fleet action against a squadron of the Royal Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie. It was at the outset of this battle that Perry famously said, "If a victory is to be gained, I will gain it." Initially, the exchange of gunfire favored the British. Perry's flagship , USS Lawrence , was so severely disabled in the encounter that the British commander, Robert Heriot Barclay , thought that Perry would surrender it, and sent
1955-518: A successful slave revolt against the French in Haiti in 1791. On April 27, General Greene brought two emissaries from Louverture to New Orleans where they went on to meet with President John Adams . She left New Orleans on May 10, escorting twelve merchantmen to Havana. As she neared Havana, a British 74 gun ship of the line intercepted the convoy and sent a boat towards one of the merchant ships so
2070-558: A total of six charges and twenty-one specifications including "conduct unbecoming an officer," and failure to "do his utmost to take or destroy the vessel of the enemy which it was his duty to encounter." Wishing to avoid a scandal between two decorated naval heroes, Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson and President James Monroe suppressed the matter by offering Perry a diplomatic mission to South America in exchange for dropping his charges. This put an official end to
2185-536: A year of settling Portsmouth and began the settlement of Newport on the southern side of the island. Newport grew to be the largest of the four original settlements that became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations , including Providence Plantations and Shawomett . Many of the first colonists in Newport became Baptists , and the second Baptist congregation in Rhode Island was formed in 1640 under
2300-465: Is known as a New England summer resort and is famous for its historic mansions and its rich sailing history. The city has a population of about 25,000 residents. Newport hosted the first U.S. Open tournaments in both tennis and golf , as well as every challenge to the America's Cup between 1930 and 1983. It is also the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport , which houses
2415-654: Is named in his honor. Perry married Elizabeth Champlin Mason in 1811. They had five children, four of whom lived to maturity. They were: Perry's son Christopher Grant Champlin Perry was a physician, and served as commander of the Artillery Company of Newport from April 1848 until his death in 1854. In May 1849 he was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Rhode Island Militia and given command of
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#17327721390532530-555: Is the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial at Put-In-Bay , Ohio. Its 352 ft (107 m) tower, the world's most massive Doric column, was constructed by a multi-state commission between 1912 and 1915. Other monuments include: In 2016, principal photography began on We Have Met the Enemy , a feature-length documentary produced by Lou Reda ( Vietnam in HD , The Blue and
2645-696: Is today known as the Knowles-Perry House . It is probable that this was Perry's primary residence for the remainder of his life. Captain Perry died in Newport in 1818 and is buried in the Belmont-Perry plot in the Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island . Aside from his wife, all those buried in the plot are either his descendants or their spouses. Captain Christopher Raymond Perry's descendants number in
2760-559: The Battle of Fort George ; Destroying the British munitions at Olde Fort Erie (see Capture of Fort Erie ); Rescuing five vessels from Black Rock; Building the Erie fleet; Getting the ships over the sandbar; Blocking British supplies for a month prior to battle; Planning the Thames invasion with General Harrison; Winning the Battle of Lake Erie; and Winning the Battle of Thames. "Don't give up
2875-728: The Episcopal Church . Captain Perry's grandson, Rear Admiral Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers (1819–1892) was an officer in the United States Navy who served in the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War, was Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Squadron. Rear Admiral Raymond Perry Rodgers (1849–1925), son of C.R.P. Rodgers, was an officer in
2990-600: The Great Lakes , except for Lake Huron . The United States Navy controlled Lake Champlain . The American naval forces were very small, allowing the British to make many advances in the Great Lakes and northern New York waterways . The roles played by commanders like Perry, at Lake Erie and Isaac Chauncey at Lake Ontario and Thomas Macdonough at Lake Champlain all proved vital to the naval effort. Naval historian E. B. Potter noted that "all naval officers of
3105-661: The Plymouth Colony , and George Soule (1593–1679). Christopher Perry was also descended from Soule through his paternal grandmother Susannah Barber Perry (1697–1755). Christopher Perry enlisted, at the age of 14, in a local militia company named the Kingston Reds early in the American Revolution . He then served on a privateer commanded by a Captain Reed. After one cruise with Reed, Perry signed on to
3220-716: The Quasi War of 1798–1800 against France, in the Mediterranean during the Barbary Wars of 1801–1815, and in the Caribbean fighting piracy and the slave trade , but is most noted for his role in the War of 1812 during the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie . During the war against Britain , Perry supervised the building of a fleet at Erie, Pennsylvania . He earned the title "Hero of Lake Erie " for leading American forces in
3335-592: The Quasi-War with France . He first experienced combat on February 9, 1800, off the coast of the French colony of Haiti , which was in a state of rebellion . During the First Barbary War , he served aboard USS Adams and later was first lieutenant (second in command) of USS Nautilus . He then served under Captain John Rodgers on USS Constitution and USS Essex . He
3450-527: The Rhode Island Gazette . In 1758, his son James founded the weekly newspaper Mercury . The famous 18th-century Goddard and Townsend furniture was also made in Newport. Throughout the 18th-century, Newport suffered from an imbalance of trade with the largest colonial ports. As a result, Newport merchants were forced to develop alternatives to conventional exports. In the 1720s, Colonial leaders arrested many pirates, acting under pressure from
3565-545: The United States Military Academy at West Point in 1842. He served during the Mexican War and fought at the Battle of Palo Alto on May 8, 1846, and at the Battle of Resaca-de‑la‑Palma on May 9, 1846. He died on active duty as a 1st lieutenant in 1848. Although Perry is often referred to as "Commodore Perry," it should be kept in mind that, prior to the American Civil War, commodore was not
Christopher Raymond Perry - Misplaced Pages Continue
3680-569: The United States Minister to Spain , and also served as an officer in the U.S. Army during both the Spanish–American War and World War I. August Belmont Jr. (1853–1924), was an American financier, the builder of New York's Belmont Park racetrack, and a major owner/breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses. Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont (1858–1908) was a wealthy American socialite and United States Representative from New York; he
3795-490: The "best of the worst" for Niagara ; and Perry "in the interest of harmony" accepted the situation, though with growing ill-will. In his initial post-action report, Perry had praised Captain Elliott's role in the American victory at Lake Erie; and as news of the battle spread, Perry and Elliott were both celebrated as national heroes. Soon after, however, several junior officers publicly criticized Elliott's performance during
3910-416: The 10,898 households, 18.9% had children under the age of 18; 31.0% were married couples living together; 37.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 41.8% of households consisted of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.1 and the average family size was 2.8. The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher
4025-688: The 1st Brigade encompassing Newport and Bristol Counties. Perry's son Oliver Hazard Perry Jr. entered the Navy as a midshipman in 1829, rose to the rank of lieutenant and resigned in 1849. He served on the United States Exploring Expedition under Captain Charles Wilkes from 1839 to 1842. Although he is buried in the same cemetery as his parents, for unknown reasons, he is not buried in the same plot with his parents. Perry's son Christopher Raymond Perry graduated from
4140-528: The Americans from the island. In 1779, the British abandoned the location. Rodney lamented, "The evacuating Rhode Island was the most fatal measure that could possibly have been adopted. It gave up the best and noblest harbor in America, capable of containing the whole Navy of Britain, and where they could in all seasons lie in perfect security; and from whence squadrons, in forty-eight hours, could blockade
4255-567: The British government. Many were hanged in Newport and buried on Goat Island . Newport was a major center of the slave trade in colonial and early America, active in the "triangle trade" in which slave-produced sugar and molasses from the Caribbean were carried to Rhode Island and distilled into rum that was then carried to West Africa and exchanged for captives. In 1764, Rhode Island had about 30 rum distilleries, 22 in Newport alone. Slaves were trafficked illegally into Rhode Island, breaking
4370-583: The British invasion of the Chesapeake Bay . In a twist of irony, these land battles would be the last time the career naval officer saw combat. The Treaty of Ghent was signed before Java could be put to sea. For Perry, the post-war years were marred by controversies. In 1815, he commanded Java in the Mediterranean during the Second Barbary War . While moored in Naples, Perry slapped
4485-406: The British to see the terrible price his men had paid. Perry's battle report to General William Henry Harrison was famously brief: "We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop." The six captured ships were successfully returned to Presque Isle. Although the engagement was small compared to Napoleonic naval battles such as the Battle of Trafalgar ,
4600-491: The Cruiser-Destroyer fleet from Newport, and the closure of nearby Naval Air Station Quonset Point in 1973 were devastating to the local economy. The population of Newport decreased, businesses closed, and property values plummeted. However, in the late 1960s, the city began revitalizing the downtown area with the construction of America's Cup Avenue, malls of stores and condominiums, and upscale hotels. Construction
4715-698: The East Passage of the Narragansett. Being surrounded by ocean water, Newport is often cooler in the summer than some coastal cities further north, such as Boston . According to the USDA, Newport is located in plant hardiness zone 7a. The 2020 United States census counted 25,163 people, 10,898 households, and 4,982 families in Newport. The population density was 3,286.7 per square mile (1,269.0/km ). There were 13,466 housing units at an average density of 1,758.9 per square mile (679.1/km ). The racial makeup
Christopher Raymond Perry - Misplaced Pages Continue
4830-613: The Foundation. Oliver Hazard Perry Oliver Hazard Perry (August 23, 1785 – August 23, 1819) was a United States Navy officer from South Kingstown , Rhode Island . A prominent member of the Perry family naval dynasty, he was the son of Sarah Wallace Alexander and Captain Christopher Raymond Perry , and older brother of Commodore Matthew C. Perry . Perry served in the West Indies during
4945-603: The Marine's honor. Perry's return from the Mediterranean also reignited the feud with Elliott. After an exchange of angry letters, Elliott challenged Perry to a duel, which Perry refused. (While it was normally considered cowardly to refuse a duel, Perry's stature as a hero was such that no one doubted his physical courage and few felt that Perry had wrongly offended Elliott's honor.) He instead, on August 8, 1818, filed formal court-martial charges against Elliott. Perry filed
5060-777: The Quasi War. Perry, along with most of the other officers in the Navy, was discharged by the Peace Establishment Act of April 3, 1801, which greatly reduced both the Army and the Navy. In the Navy, only nine of 42 captains were allowed to remain in service. On August 2, 1784, Perry married Sarah Wallace Alexander (1768–1830) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . She was born about 1768 in County Down , Ireland and died December 4, 1830, in New London, Connecticut . She
5175-494: The U.S. Navy in 2017. Following the court-martial, Perry was given a leave of absence from the Navy. On May 5, 1811, he married Elizabeth Champlin Mason of Newport, Rhode Island, whom he had met at a dance in 1807. They enjoyed an extended honeymoon touring New England. The couple would eventually have five children, with one dying in infancy. At the beginning of the War of 1812, the British Royal Navy controlled
5290-602: The United States Naval War College , the Naval Undersea Warfare Center , and an important Navy training center. It was a major 18th-century port city and boasts many buildings from the colonial era . Newport is the county seat of Newport County , which has no governmental functions other than court administrative and sheriff corrections boundaries. It was known for being the location of the " Summer White Houses " during
5405-423: The United States Navy and the second head of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Raymond Perry Rodgers's younger brother, Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rodgers (1858–1931), was an officer in the United States Navy who served in the Spanish–American War and World War I. Two other descendants of Captain Perry through his daughter Anna Maria Perry Rodgers were Calbraith Perry Rodgers (1879–1912), a pioneer American aviator who
5520-490: The administrations of presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy . Newport was founded in 1639 on Rhode Island , which is now called Aquidneck Island. Its eight founders and first officers were Nicholas Easton , William Coddington , John Clarke , John Coggeshall , William Brenton , Jeremy Clark , Thomas Hazard , and Henry Bull . Many of these people were part of the settlement at Portsmouth , along with Anne Hutchinson and her followers. They separated within
5635-564: The age of 18 and 7.7% of those ages 65 or over. As of 2013, there were 24,027 people, 10,616 households, and 4,933 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,204.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,237.1/km ). There were 13,069 housing units at an average density of 1,697.3 per square mile (655.3/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 82.5% White , 6.9% African American , 0.8% Native American , 1.4% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 3.1% some other race , and 5.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.4% of
5750-404: The age of nine. Reverend Theodore Dehon , rector of the church from 1797 to 1810, had a significant influence on the young Perry. He was educated in Newport , Rhode Island. His earliest ancestor to the Americas was Edward Perry, who came from Devon , England , and settled in Sandwich, Massachusetts , around 1650 with his wife, Mary Freeman. Through his father's influence, Perry was appointed
5865-439: The battle, charging that Elliott allowed Lawrence to suffer the brunt of the British fire while holding Niagara back from the fight. William Vigneron Taylor, Perry's sailing master , in a letter to Taylor's wife, put it thus: The Lawrence alone rec'd the fire of the whole British squadron 2 1/2 hours within pistol shot—we were not supported as we ought to have been. Captain Perry led the Lawrence into action & sustained
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#17327721390535980-421: The battle, he mentioned Elliott in what, at first, seem to be complimentary terms, but, when read carefully, betray his disdain for Elliott. Perry wrote, "In this action he evinced his characteristic bravery and judgement; and, since the close of the action, has given me the most able and essential assistance." On January 6, 1814, Perry was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal , the Thanks of Congress , and
6095-847: The colonial era, but rotated its legislative sessions among Providence, Newport, Bristol, East Greenwich, and South Kingstown. In 1854, the sessions were eliminated in cities other than Providence and Newport, and Newport was ultimately dropped in 1900 as a constitutional amendment that year restricted the meetings of the legislature to Providence. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had many ties to Newport. She spent her childhood summers at Newport's Hammersmith Farm . She and John Fitzgerald Kennedy attended nearby St. Mary's Church and were married there on September 12, 1953. The Kennedys sailed their yacht Honey Fitz in Narragansett Bay , golfed at Newport Country Club , dined at The White Horse Tavern , and attended social events at The Breakers . Presidents Kennedy and Eisenhower both made Newport
6210-526: The commander of the ship's Marines, Captain John Heath, whom Perry charged with "disrespectful, insolent, and contemptuous conduct to me his superior officer". The ensuing court-martial found both men guilty, but levied only mild reprimands. After the crew returned home, Heath challenged Perry to a pistol duel , which was fought on October 19, 1817, on the same field in Weehawken, New Jersey where Aaron Burr shot and killed Alexander Hamilton . Heath fired first and missed. Perry declined to return fire, satisfying
6325-405: The controversy, though it would continue to be debated for another quarter century. In 1818 Perry purchased a large house on Washington Square in Newport which was built in 1750 for merchant Peter Buloid. The house remained in the Perry family until 1865 and now serves as an antique bookstore. In 1819, Perry sailed for the Orinoco River , Venezuela , aboard of the frigate John Adams with
6440-549: The creation of the United States Navy; they sponsored 30 African slaving ventures. However, it was the DeWolfs of Bristol, Rhode Island , and most notably James De Wolf , who were the largest slave-trading family in America, mounting more than 80 transatlantic voyages, most of them illegal. The Rhode Island slave trade was broadly based. Seven hundred Rhode Islanders owned or captained slave ships, most of whom were substantial merchants, though many were ordinary shopkeepers and tradesmen who purchased shares in slaving voyages. Newport
6555-416: The day made a special study of Nelson's battles". Oliver Perry was no exception. At his request, he was given command of the American naval forces on Lake Erie during the war. Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton had charged prominent merchant seaman Daniel Dobbins with building the American fleet on Presque Isle Bay at Erie, Pennsylvania , and Perry was named chief naval officer. Perry knew battle
6670-401: The deployment. Following the enquiry President John Adams ordered Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddart to suspend Perry from the Service for 3 months without pay in a letter dated 28 November. Capt. Hugh G. Campbell was ordered to assume command of "General Greene" in a letter also dated 28 November) To his disappointment, Perry and General Greene were not given any other assignments during
6785-414: The dying command of his colleague Captain James Lawrence of USS Chesapeake . He is also known for his message to General William Henry Harrison which reads in part, "We have met the enemy and they are ours; ..." Perry became embroiled in a long-standing and bitter controversy with the commander of USS Niagara , Captain Jesse Elliott , over their conduct in the Battle of Lake Erie, and both were
6900-430: The first African mutual aid society in America. Newport was the scene of much activity during the American Revolution . William Ellery was a Newport native and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence . In the winter of 1775, and 1776, the Rhode Island Legislature placed militia general William West in charge of rooting out loyalists in Newport, which resulted in several individuals being exiled to
7015-580: The flag on display in Bancroft Hall 's Memorial Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. While Nelson had Collingwood , Perry had Jesse Elliott, and was considerably less well served. Elliott, while serving with Isaac Chauncey at Lake Ontario, was tasked to augment Perry's squadron with 11 officers and 91 men, "and none were sent but the worst." Subsequently, detailed by Chauncey to command Niagara, Elliott stated "that if he could have foreseen that he himself should be sent to Lake Erie, his selections would have been different." Elliott then appropriated
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#17327721390537130-407: The frigate Constellation and the schooner USS Nonsuch , arriving on July 15 to discourage piracy, while still maintaining friendly relations with Republic of Venezuela and the Republic of Buenos Aires . Shifting his flag to USS Nonsuch , due to its shallower draft, Perry sailed upriver to Angostura to negotiate an anti-piracy agreement with President Simón Bolívar . A favorable treaty
7245-482: The guests were expected to have "cottages" of their own. Many of the homes were designed by New York architect Richard Morris Hunt , who kept a house in Newport himself. The social scene at Newport is described in Edith Wharton 's novel The Age of Innocence . Wharton's own Newport "cottage" was called Land's End . Today, many mansions continue in private use. Hammersmith Farm is the mansion where John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy held their wedding reception; it
7360-399: The headquarters of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center . The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) was moored in an inactive status at the docks previously used by the Cruiser-Destroyer Force until it was towed to Brownsville, Texas in August–September 2014 to be dismantled. The USS Forrestal (CV-59) shared the pier until June 2010. The departure of
7475-476: The highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation. Doris Duke, heir to the tobacco fortune of her father, James B. Duke, founded the Newport Restoration Foundation (NRF) in 1968, and for the next 25 years, until her death in 1993, saved much of Newport's colonial architectural heritage. Under Duke's leadership, the NRF restored more than 80 18th- and early 19th-century buildings in Newport and neighboring Middletown, Rhode Island, most of which are still owned by
7590-496: The leadership of John Clarke. In 1658, a group of Jews was welcomed to settle in Newport, fleeing the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal. They were not allowed to settle elsewhere. This group eventually came to be known as Congregation Jeshuat Israel, and is the second-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. They meet in Touro Synagogue , the oldest synagogue in America. The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations received its royal charter in 1663. Benedict Arnold
7705-423: The median household income was $ 68,201 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 4,880) and the median family income was $ 96,161 (+/- $ 10,800). Males had a median income of $ 40,018 (+/- $ 3,361) versus $ 29,535 (+/- $ 3,288) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 34,315 (+/- $ 2,816). Approximately, 12.4% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 25.0% of those under
7820-407: The most destructive fire with the most gallant spirit perhaps that was ever witnessed under similar circumstances. The meeting between Elliott and Perry on the deck of Niagara was terse. Elliott inquired how the day was going. Perry replied, "Badly." Elliott then volunteered to take Perry's small boat and rally the schooners, and Perry acquiesced. As Perry turned Niagara into the battle, Elliott
7935-422: The most populous municipality on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 11.4 square miles (29.5 km ), of which 7.7 square miles (19.9 km ) is land and 3.7 square miles (9.6 km ), or 32.64%, is water. The Newport Bridge , the longest suspension bridge in New England, connects Newport to neighboring Conanicut Island across
8050-427: The northern part of the state, including Joseph Wanton and Thomas Vernon. On December 8, 1776, the British occupied the city without opposition. Sir Peter Parker led 50-gun British ships, while Lieutenant-General Henry Clinton led 7,000 troops. According to Alfred Thayer Mahan , "The immediate effect was to close a haven of privateers , which flanked the route of all vessels bound from Europe to New York." In
8165-411: The other schooners into closer action while he steered Niagara toward the damaged British ships. Like Nelson's Victory at Trafalgar, Niagara broke the opposing line. Perry's force pounded Barclay's ships until they could offer no effective resistance and surrendered. Although he had won the battle aboard Niagara , he received the British surrender on the deck of the recaptured Lawrence to allow
8280-450: The period 2009–2011, the estimated median annual income for a household in the city was $ 59,388, and the median income for a family was $ 83,880. Male full-time workers had a median income of $ 52,221 versus $ 41,679 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 35,644. About 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line. The Newport Historic District — one of the city's three National Historic Landmark Districts — boasts one of
8395-409: The population (3.3% Puerto Rican , 1.2% Guatemalan , 1.1% Mexican ). There were 10,616 households, out of which: 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.9% were headed by married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 53.5% were non-families. 41.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% were someone living alone who
8510-620: The privateer Mifflin commanded by George Wait Babcock. Mifflin was captured by the British and Perry was confined to the infamous prison ship Jersey in New York harbor for three months before he managed to escape. In 1779, Perry joined the Continental Navy as a seaman aboard the frigate USS Trumbull commanded by Captain James Nicholson . On June 1, 1780, Trumbull engaged the British letter of marque Watt in
8625-728: The ship entered the Gulf of Paria and was nearing Port of Spain . He was buried in Port of Spain with great honors while the Nonsuch ' s crew acted as honor guard . His remains were later taken back to the United States in 1826 and interred in Newport, Rhode Island. Originally interred in the Old Common Burial Ground , his body was eventually moved to Newport's Island Cemetery . Perry Street in Savannah, Georgia ,
8740-553: The ship!" became the battle cry of Oliver Hazard Perry. The phrase was uttered by Captain James Lawrence as he died after being wounded by enemy fire aboard the Chesapeake on June 1, 1813. Perry learned of Lawrence's demise at Presque Isle. He honored Lawrence with the name of a brig, called Lawrence . A battle flag was needed, and the words of Perry's good friend were suited for the coming days. Margaret Forster Steuart
8855-581: The silencing of Fort Sumter and the batteries on Morris Island ." Newport, Rhode Island Newport is a seaside city on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island , United States. It is located in Narragansett Bay , approximately 33 miles (53 km) southeast of Providence , 20 miles (32 km) south of Fall River, Massachusetts , 74 miles (119 km) south of Boston , and 180 miles (290 km) northeast of New York City . It
8970-693: The sites of their " Summer White Houses " during their years in office. Eisenhower stayed at Quarters A at the Naval War College and at what became known as the Eisenhower House , while Kennedy used Hammersmith Farm . The city has long been entwined with the United States Navy . It held the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy during the American Civil War (1861–65) when the undergraduate officer training school
9085-475: The small coastal town of Westerly in the southwest corner of Rhode Island. On January 7, 1798, during the Quasi War with France , Perry was commissioned a captain in the U.S. Navy. Perry commanded the frigate General Greene , on which his son, then 13-year-old Oliver Hazard Perry , served as a midshipman . General Greene was launched on January 21, 1799, departed on her first cruise on June 2, 1799, escorting five merchantmen to Havana, Cuba . In Havana
9200-409: The southern part of the city became a staunch Irish neighborhood for many generations. To this day, St. Patrick's Day is an important day of pride and celebration in Newport, with a large parade down Thames Street. The oldest Catholic parish in Rhode Island is St. Mary's , located on Spring Street, though the current building is not original. Rhode Island did not have a fixed capital during and after
9315-474: The subject of official charges. In 1815, he successfully commanded Java in the Mediterranean during the Second Barbary War . So seminal was his career that he was lionized in the press (being the subject of scores of books and articles). He has been frequently memorialized, and many places, ships and persons have been named in his honor. Perry was the oldest of five boys born to Christopher (1761–1818) and Sarah Wallace Perry (née Alexander) (1763–1830). As
9430-534: The summer of 1778, the Americans began the campaign known as the Battle of Rhode Island . This was the first joint operation between the Americans and the French after the signing of the Treaty of Alliance . The Americans based in Tiverton planned a formal siege of the town, but the French refused to take part, instead preferring a frontal assault. This weakened the American position, and the British were able to expel
9545-571: The thousands today. Some of his notable descendants include: His eldest son, Oliver Hazard Perry (1785–1819), hero of the Battle of Lake Erie . Matthew Calbraith Perry , commander of the Perry Expedition to Japan. Brevet Brigadier General Alexander James Perry (1828–1913) was a career Army officer who graduated from West Point and served during the American Civil War . The Right Reverend James De Wolf Perry (1871–1947) served as Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island and Presiding Bishop of
9660-429: The three capital cities of America; namely, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia." On July 10, 1780, a French expedition arrived in Narragansett Bay off Newport with an army of 450 officers and 5,300 men, sent by King Louis XVI and commanded by Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau . For the rest of the war, Newport served as the base of the French forces in the United States. In July 1781, Rochambeau
9775-419: The vessel, [Perry] turned his attention to saving the crew, and after helping them down the ropes over the vessel's stern, he was the last to leave the vessel." The subsequent court-martial exonerated Perry, placing blame on the ship's pilot. In January 2011, a team of divers claimed to have discovered the remains of Revenge , nearly 200 years to the day after it sank. Cannons from Revenge were salvaged by
9890-428: The victory had disproportionate strategic importance, opening Canada up to possible invasion, while simultaneously protecting the entire Ohio Valley . The loss of the British squadron directly led to the critical Battle of the Thames , the rout of British and Indian forces by Harrison's army, the deaths of Tecumseh and Roundhead , and the breakup of his indigenous alliance. Along with the Battle of Plattsburgh , it
10005-547: The war ended (1783). Over 200 abandoned buildings were torn down in the 1780s. The war destroyed Newport's economic wealth, because years of military occupation closed the city to any form of trade. It was in Newport that the Rhode Island General Assembly voted to ratify the Constitution in 1790 and become the 13th state, acting under pressure from the merchant community of Providence. The city
10120-413: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05, and the average family size was 2.82. The age distribution was 16.5% under the age of 18, 16.3% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males. For
10235-407: Was 75.91% (19,102) white or European American (73.62% non-Hispanic white ), 5.93% (1,492) black or African-American , 0.86% (217) Native American or Alaska Native , 1.76% (444) Asian , 0.06% (16) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian , 6.08% (1,530) from other races , and 9.39% (2,362) from two or more races . Hispanic or Latino of any race was 11.82% (2,975) of the population. Of
10350-593: Was Jacob Rodrigues Rivera, who arrived in 1745 (died 1789). Rivera introduced the manufacture of sperm oil , derived from sperm whales. This became one of Newport's leading industries and made the town a wealthy, prominent whaling community. Newport developed 17 manufacturers of oil and candles, and enjoyed a practical monopoly of this trade until the American Revolution . Aaron Lopez is also credited with making Newport an important center of trade. He encouraged 40 Portuguese Jewish families to settle there, and Newport had 150 vessels engaged in trade within 14 years. Lopez
10465-539: Was a descendant of an uncle of William Wallace , the Scottish knight and landowner who is known for leading a resistance during the Wars of Scottish Independence and is today remembered as a patriot and national hero. Christopher and Sarah had five sons, all of whom were officers in the U.S. Navy who died in service, and three daughters: In 1800, Perry became the owner of a large house at 31 Walnut Street in Newport which
10580-615: Was a seventh-generation descendant of Captain Richard Raymond (1602–1692), and his wife, Julia, who was likely born in Essex , England , in 1602 and arrived in Salem, Massachusetts , about 1629, possibly with a contingent led by the Rev. Francis Higginson . He was about 27 years old and later was a founder of Norwich, Connecticut , and an "honored fore-father of Saybrook". Perry's mother
10695-586: Was also a descendant of Governor Thomas Prence (1599–1673), a co-founder of Eastham, Massachusetts , who was a political leader in both the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies , and governor of Plymouth; and a descendant of two Mayflower passengers, both of whom were signers of the Mayflower Compact , Elder William Brewster (c. 1567–1644), the Pilgrim colonist leader and spiritual elder of
10810-473: Was also completed on the Claiborne Pell Bridge . The Preservation Society of Newport County began opening Newport's historic mansions to the public, and the tourist industry has become Newport's primary commercial enterprise over the subsequent years. Newport is located at 41°29′17″N 71°18′45″W / 41.48806°N 71.31250°W / 41.48806; -71.31250 . It is
10925-594: Was an American military commander and politician from South Carolina who served as a major general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, a post-bellum three-term United States Senator, and a major general in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War. Commander George Washington Rodgers (1822–1863), a grandson of Captain Perry and brother of Rear Admiral C.R.P. Rodgers, "was distinguished for his bravery in
11040-458: Was born in August 1785. Perry then pursued his career as a merchant captain, making voyages all over the world and amassing a small fortune in the process. He then decided to move his family to Newport, which was then an important shipping center and one of the largest cities in the newly independent United States. By 1797, Perry had achieved enough financial security that he was able to retire to
11155-539: Was coming, and he "consciously followed Nelson's example in describing his battle plans to his captains." Perry's instructions were: Commanding officers are particularly enjoined to pay attention in preserving their stations in the Line, and in all cases to keep as near the Lawrence as possible. ... Engage your designated adversary, in close action, at half cable's length. On September 10, 1813, Perry's command fought
11270-677: Was elected as an honorary member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati . In May 1814, Perry took command of a squadron of seven gunboats based in Newport. He held this command for only two months as in July he was placed in command of USS Java , a 44-gun frigate which was under construction in Baltimore . While overseeing the outfitting of Java , Perry participated in the defenses of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., during
11385-534: Was elected as the first governor. The Old Colony House at the head of Washington Square in Newport served as the seat of Rhode Island's government from 1741 until the current Rhode Island State House was completed in Providence in 1904. At that time, Providence became the state's sole capital city. Newport was the most important port in colonial Rhode Island, and a public school was established in 1640. The commercial activity that raised Newport to its fame as
11500-607: Was enlisted to make the battle flag. She was a resident of Erie Pennsylvania, wife of Army Captain Thomas Steuart and sister to Thomas Forster, both friends of Perry's. Forster was the commander of the Erie Light Infantry that had guarded the fleet. With the help of her two daughters, three nieces, and a cousin, she had the flag ready for Perry within just a few days. As of July 2009, Perry's flag, Steuart's work, and Lawrence's dying words can be seen today, with
11615-428: Was estimated to be 41.0% of the population. 14.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 15.5% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 106.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 108.3 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that
11730-536: Was finally able to leave Newport for Providence to begin the decisive march to Yorktown, Virginia , along with General George Washington . The Rochambeau Monument in King Park on Wellington Avenue commemorates Rochambeau's contributions to the Revolutionary War and to Newport's history. Newport's population fell from over 9,000 (according to the census of 1774) to fewer than 4,000 by the time that
11845-596: Was granted. From the mid-17th century, the religious tolerance in Newport attracted numbers of Quakers , known also as the Society of Friends . The Great Friends Meeting House in Newport (1699) is the oldest existing structure of worship in Rhode Island. In 1727, James Franklin (brother of Benjamin Franklin ) printed the Rhode-Island Almanack in Newport. In 1732, he published the first newspaper,
11960-478: Was inhabited by a small group of abolitionists and free blacks. Reverend Samuel Hopkins , minister at Newport's First Congregational Church , has been called "America's first abolitionist". Among subscribers to Hopkins' writings were 17 free black citizens, most of whom lived in Newport. This community of freemen, including Newport Gardner , founded the Free African Union Society in 1780,
12075-498: Was involved in the slave trade, as were other shipping magnates, and the manufacture of spermaceti candles, ships, barrels, rum, chocolate, textiles, clothes, shoes, hats, and bottles. Lopez became the wealthiest man in Newport, but he was denied citizenship on religious grounds, even though British law protected the rights of Jews to become citizens in England. Lopez appealed to the Rhode Island colonial legislature for redress and
12190-494: Was not aboard. Elliott's rejoinder to history's criticism of inaction was that there had been a lack of effective signaling. Charges were filed, but not officially acted upon. Attempting to restore his honor, Elliott and his supporters began a 30-year campaign that would outlive both men and ultimately leave his reputation in tatters. In Perry's report to Secretary of the Navy William Jones , written three days after
12305-411: Was one of only two significant fleet victories of the war. Perry was involved in nine battles that led to and followed the Battle of Lake Erie, and they all had a seminal impact. "What is often overlooked when studying Perry is how his physical participation and brilliant strategic leadership influenced the outcomes of all nine Lake Erie military campaign victories: Capturing Fort George, Ontario in
12420-421: Was open to tourists as a "house museum", but has since been purchased and reconverted into a private residence. Many of the other mansions are open to tourists, and others were converted into academic buildings for Salve Regina College in the 1930s, when the owners could no longer afford their tax bills. In the mid-19th century, a large number of Irish immigrants settled in Newport. The Fifth Ward of Newport in
12535-661: Was placed in charge of the construction of gunboats in Newport and Westerly , Rhode Island. Beginning in April 1809, he commanded the sloop USS Revenge , engaging in patrol duties to enforce the Embargo Act , as well as a successful raid to regain an American ship held in Spanish territory in Florida. On January 9, 1811, Revenge ran aground off Rhode Island and was lost. "Seeing fairly quickly that he could not save
12650-549: Was refused with this ruling: Inasmuch as the said Aaron Lopez hath declared himself by religion a Jew, this Assembly doth not admit himself nor any other of that religion to the full freedom of this Colony. So that the said Aaron Lopez nor any other of said religion is not liable to be chosen into any office in this colony nor allowed to give vote as a free man in choosing others. Lopez persisted by applying for citizenship in Massachusetts Bay Colony , where it
12765-420: Was signed on August 11 with Vice-President Francisco Antonio Zea in the absence of Bolivar (who was engaged in the liberation of New Granada ), but when the schooner started downriver, many of her crew, including Perry, had been stricken with yellow fever . Despite the crew's efforts to reach Trinidad for medical assistance, the commodore died on board USS Nonsuch on August 23, 1819, his 34th birthday, as
12880-584: Was temporarily moved north from Annapolis, Maryland . From 1952 to 1973, it hosted the Cruiser-Destroyer Force of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet , and subsequently, it has hosted smaller numbers of warships from time to time. Today it hosts Naval Station Newport (NAVSTA Newport) and remains home to the U.S. Naval War College , the center for Surface Warfare Officer training, the Navy Supply Corps School and other schools, and
12995-411: Was the first civilian to purchase a Wright Flyer and the first to make a transcontinental flight, and Commander John Rodgers (1881–1926), an officer in the United States Navy and an early aviator. Through his son Matthew's daughter, Caroline Slidell ( née Perry) Belmont, he was the great-grandfather of statesman Perry Belmont (1851–1947), who served as a United States Representative from New York and
13110-578: Was the last residence of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and the birthplace of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and Unitarian William Ellery Channing . Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, wealthy southern planters seeking to escape the heat began to build summer cottages on Bellevue Avenue, such as Kingscote (1839). Around the middle of the century, wealthy northerners, such as the Wetmore family, began construction on larger mansions, such as Chateau-sur-Mer (1852) nearby. Most of these early families made
13225-570: Was the second husband of Alva Vanderbilt Belmont . Another of Captain Perry's great-grandsons, William Tiffany (1868–1898), a 2nd lieutenant in the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry (a.k.a. Roosevelt's Rough Riders ), died of yellow fever shortly after returning to the United States following his service in Cuba during the Spanish–American War . Matthew Calbraith Butler (1836–1909), son of Captain Perry's daughter Jane Tweedy Perry Butler,
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