BGuthrie Photos: DC -- Southeast -- Washington Navy Yard -- U.S. Navy Museum -- War of 1812 temporary exhibit

DC -- Southeast -- Washington Navy Yard -- U.S. Navy Museum -- War of 1812 temporary exhibit:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. WNYN18_140824_001.JPG: From Defeat to Victory: 1814-1815
2. WNYN18_140824_009.JPG: Naval Actions in 1814-1815: During the War of 1812, the United States Navy not only fought at sea, but also rendered vital indirect and direct support to the Army on inland waters. These actions included Joshua Barney's battles against the British at St. Leonard's Creek and ashore at Bladensburg, Sailors' contributions to the defense of Baltimore, Thomas Macdonough's victory on Lake Champlain, and the naval actions in the New Orleans campaign.
3. WNYN18_140824_012.JPG: The Chesapeake Bay
4. WNYN18_140824_015.JPG: Chesapeake Flotilla: When the British fleet under Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during 1813, American forces faced an overwhelming enemy. Former naval officer Joshua Barney suggested opposing the enemy with a fleet of barges of row-galleys. The squadron would guard the bay and harass the enemy in order to delay attacks on important towns. Barney's plan was authorized and he received a captain's commission in the Navy for the Chesapeake campaign's duration.
5. WNYN18_140824_018.JPG: Commodore Joshua Barney: "I am therefore of the opinion the only defense we have in our power, is a kind of Barge or Row-galley, so as to draw a small draft of water, to carry Oars, light sails, and One heavy long gun..." -- Commodore Joshua Barney, outlining his plan for the defense of the Chesapeake Bay Following a distinguished career as a merchantman and naval officer in the Revolutionary War, Joshua Barney served as a privateer at the beginning of the War of 1812. He proposed the creation of [a] large fleet of small, inexpensive barges to contend with the larger enemy ships that dominated the Chesapeake Bay. Secretary of the Navy William Jones agreed and gave Barney command of the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla.
6. WNYN18_140824_023.JPG: Battles of St. Leonard's Creek: The Battles of St. Leonard's Creek began after Rear Admiral Cockburn forced Barney's squadron up the Patuxent River to the creek. Commodore Barney and his flotilla, after a few games of cat and mouse, started fighting on 10 June 1814. Barney attacked with the barges de-masted for speed, giving the Americans the upper-hand until the British chased them back to the creek. A stalemate ensued, ending with frenzied preparation culminating in the Second Battle of St. Leonard's Creek on 26 June 1814. The Americans needed control of the high ground to escape, and they planned a coordinated barrage from both land and sea. Miscommunications delayed Barney's flotilla, but it managed to surge forward and hull the British frigates. Both sides exchanged fire until both retreated; the Americans due to their exposed position, and the British due to ignorance of the Americans' plight.
7. WNYN18_140824_026.JPG: Flotillamen: The flotillamen fought the British in the Chesapeake region, at the Battles of Bladensburg and Baltimore. The flotillamen continuously resisted the British for three months. After the Battle of Bladensburg, Admiral Cockburn remarked how the flotillamen were the best men faced by the British in that battle ashore. Lieutenant John Adams Webster always acquitted himself with great efficiency and bravery. Anxious to take part in the fighting, Webster served in the Battles of St. Leonard's Creek and Bladensburg under Commodore Barney. At Baltimore, Webster received wounds to his right shoulder, and later had charge of a six-gun battery between Forts McHenry and Covington. For his services in the defense of Baltimore, he received swords from both Baltimore and Maryland for preventing the British taking and sacking Baltimore.
8. WNYN18_140824_033.JPG: 1813 Derringer Pistol: Marked "M" for Maryland, Henry Derringer of Philadelphia delivered 510 pistols from March to August 1813. Maryland militia units used them at Bladensburg and Baltimore.
9. WNYN18_140824_036.JPG: Fragment from Frigate Columbia: After the defeat at Bladensburg, Tingey's men in the navy yard burned the frigate USS Columbia rather than allow its capture and use by the enemy.
10. WNYN18_140824_039.JPG: U.S. Navy Pike Head: Boarding pikes, such as the ones used by Commodore Joshua Barney, were useful as both defensive and offensive weapons. Sailors yelled "board 'em" as they charged the British at Bladensburg.
11. WNYN18_140824_040.JPG: The Battle of Bladensburg: On 24 August 1814, 4,400 British troops met a patchwork group of 7,000 American troops with 490 Sailors and Marines at Bladensburg, outside the capital city. Despite the brave actions of the sea servicemen under Barney, the British forces easily overwhelmed the American forces. After forcing Barney to retreat, British forces advanced on Washington DC. "But the fact is, that, with the exception of a party of sailors from the gunboats, under the command of Commodore Barney, no troops could behave worse than they did." -- George Robert Gleig, a British officer, on the performance of the American forces at Bladensburg
12. WNYN18_140824_043.JPG: The Burning of Washington: "The avowed object of the Enemy is, the destruction of the City and Navy Yard, at Washington, the City and Navy yard at Norfolk, and the City of Baltimore..." -- Commodore Joshua Barney discussing the importance of establishing a sufficient defense for the Chesapeake Bay region After the Battle of Blandensburg, the British marched into Washington DC, and there they dined on Madison's "victory" dinner. Afterwards, they burned the White House (then known as the Executive Mansion), Treasury Building, Capitol, Library of Congress, and the Washington Navy Yard. Severe weather, fear of an American counter attack, and an accidental explosion, at what is now Fort McNair, convinced the British to withdraw from the city. On 24-25 August 1814, the British occupied Washington, burning the Executive Mansion, the Washington Navy Yard, and other public buildings. After Bladensburg, some United States Soldiers and Marines retreated to Sewall-Belmont House and its grounds. When they saw the British troops stop nearby to obtain water, they opened fire, killing General Robert Ross's horse. Ross ordered his soldiers to burn the house in retaliation.
13. WNYN18_140824_046.JPG: The Star-Spangled Banner: "Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." -- Francis Scott Key, "The Star-Spangled Banner" On the eve of the Battle of Baltimore, the young lawyer Francis Scott Key was in a group aboard a British ship attempting to negotiate the release of Dr. William Beanes, an American imprisoned for jailing looting British soldiers. The British then detailed the Americans to prevent them from carrying news of the impending assault. After the bombardment ended, Key penned the lyrics to "The Star Spangled Banner," which was officially adopted as America's national anthem in 1931.
14. WNYN18_140824_052.JPG: Baltimore & Fort McHenry: After the burning of Washington, the Americas prepared defenses around Baltimore. On 12 September, a force of British soldiers landed at North Point east of the city. The Americans lost the battle there, but killed General Ross. The British navy then bombarded Fort McHenry, but the fort's garrison persevered.
15. WNYN18_140824_058.JPG: Lake Champlain Campaign: "Our Guns on the starboard side, being nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a Stern anchor was let go, the bower Cable cut, and the ship winded with a fresh broadside on the Enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered..." -- Thomas Macdonough In summer 1814, both the United States and British massed troops and ships for a decisive battle at the northern end of Lake Champlain. The fighting resulted in a victory for the Americans, leading to the successful conclusion of treaty negotiations in Ghent, Belgium. Located in a strategic position, Lake Champlain became the focus of American and British naval efforts. American control would permit a United States attack on Montreal, and British control would have isolated the New England states. Thomas Macdonough distinguished himself during the First Barbary War rising to Lieutenant. During the War of 1812, he served as Commander of the Champlain Fleet. His skillful leadership at the Battle of Lake Champlain earned him a promotion to captain. Macdonough's victory ended the British offensive aimed at splitting the United States, which led British negotiators in Ghent to drop demands for a separate American Indian nation.
16. WNYN18_140824_067.JPG: Battle of Lake Champlain: In contrast to most naval clashes during the war, the Battle of Lake Champlain was stationary. Macdonough anchored his fleet and awaited the British arrival. Having suffered extensive damage to one side of his flagship Saratoga, Macdonough swung his ship around and brought the undamaged guns to bear. The new firepower lead to the defeat of the British flagship, and three other enemy ships surrendered. Upon seeing the American victory, British land forces ceased their attack, signaling the end of the British offensives from Canada. Thomas Macdonough, as he often did, personally aimed the first shot of the Battle of Plattsburgh and destroyed the steering wheel of the enemy's flagship Confiance. The popular story of "Saratoga's fighting gamecock" features a rooster which was liberated from confinement by a rogue shot. The crowing rooster, viewed as a sign of victory, inspired the crew to continue fighting.
17. WNYN18_140824_071.JPG: Treaty of Ghent: Signed on 24 December 1814, the Treaty of Ghent paved the way to end the war, and led to a return to previous borders and relations. After the burning of his residence, President James Madison and his family moved to The Octagon House, home of Colonel John Tayloe, a commander of the District of Columbia militia cavalry. Madison signed the treaty in a second floor room on 16 February 1815. The treaty went into effect after it was ratified by the United States Senate on 18 February 1815. This Federal architectural masterpiece, The Octagon House, became the temporary home of James and Dolly Madison.
18. WNYN18_140824_073.JPG: Proposed Indian Nation: Macdonough's victory of Lake Champlain led the British to drop their demand for the creation of an American Indian Nation (which would have extended British power into the Midwest), allowing negotiations at Ghent to proceed. The British abandonment of the Indians placed them at a major disadvantage in challenging U.S. demands; between 1815-1830 they offered no violent resistance to demands for their lands.
19. WNYN18_140824_077.JPG: New Orleans Campaign: The New Orleans campaign occurred before the Senate had ratified the Treaty of Ghent. Veteran British soldiers, transferred from Europe after the defeat of Napoleon's army, fought Tennessee and Kentucky riflemen, backed by a few regulars, Marines, local militia, and a detachment of Sailors, all led by General Andrew Jackson. Major General Sir Edward Pakenham planned two main assaults on Jackson's forces. The direct attack on New Orleans ended in over 2,000 British casualties. A small British force, including one hundred Royal Marines, overran the American line on the west bank of the Mississippi. The British defeat at New Orleans marked the last offensive of the war and the greatest land victory of American armed forces, including sixty-six Marines from the navy yard, who held "Line Jackson" against British Highlanders of the 93rd Regiment of Foot.
20. WNYN18_140824_081.JPG: The Battle of Lake Borgne: Tasked with defending the east side of New Orleans, Lieutenant Thomas ap Catesby Jones, with his five gunboats and 185 men delayed an overwhelming British advance across Lake Borgne. Trapped by an unusually low tide, the Americans fought valiantly, but were unable to repulse the larger British forces of more than forty longboats carrying roughly one thousand sailors and Royal Marines. Equipped with cannons, the British vessels survived the American defensive barrage. The British quickly overtook the gunboat flotilla, and captured it in boarding actions.
21. WNYN18_140824_084.JPG: Night Attack on the British: On the night of 23 December, Andrew Jackson led an attack against the British troops on the Mississippi River's east bank. The American schooner Carolina, commenced the battle by firing on the unsuspecting British. The attack was a U.S. success and slowed the British advance, giving the Americans more time to fortify the canal.
22. WNYN18_140824_088.JPG: Constitution vs. Cyane & Levant: On the night of 20 February 1815, USS Constitution fought both HMS Cyane and HMS Levant. Though the war had officially ended, word had not yet reached the ships off West Africa. After an exchange of fire between the three ships, Constitution's broadside damaged Levant and forced her to disengage for repairs. U.S. Captain Charles Stewart then ordered his crew to back sail toward Cyane. Constitution fired two broadsides into her, forcing surrender. Though Levant returned to the battle, she too struck her colors.
23. WNYN18_140824_095.JPG: Chambers Swivel Gun: Joseph Chambers, an inventor from Middletown, Pennsylvania, created a multi-barrel system for firing pistols, muskets, and swivel guns like this one. He successfully convinced the Navy Department that these guns could be useful on ships by mounting them on capstans and fighting tops. Each swivel had seven barrels loaded with 32 bullets and powder charges. Each bullet was ignited by the firing of the round ahead of it, similar to roman candle. When the flintlock discharged the first bullet, the remaining bullets fired continuously for two minutes, allowing the gunner to "sweep" the gun across the deck against enemy boarders. This gun had clear disadvantages: loading took time and the weapon could not be stopped once firing started, meaning the gunner had to maintain a steady aim during the chaos of battle. Although there is little record of these swivel guns in use, they were used by USS Constitution in the capture of HMS Cyane and Levant in February 1815.
24. WNYN18_140824_110.JPG: The Steps to War: War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: The War of 1812 arose from disputes -- over the rights of neutrals at sea rights, American ideas of citizenship, and westward expansion in North America -- set against the background of constant war between France and Great Britain. Britain ruled the sea and France dominated Europe; each took aim at neutral US merchant ships to hurt the other. The British also outraged US citizens by pressing American sailors into its navy, claiming them as subjects. Even frontier Americans resented Britain for her Indian alliances, which create[d] a barrier to expansion. In response to these affronts, real and imagined, and the increasing pressure of a sizable pro-war party, President James Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war on Great Britain on 18 June 1812. "The final step ought to be taken; and that step is WAR." -- Henry Clay, "War Should be Declared," Washington National Intelligence, 1812
25. WNYN18_140824_116.JPG: On Land and Sea: War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: The US Marines served with distinction in the War of 1812, in all the celebrated naval actions and major land battles. At sea, Marines kept order and served as sharpshooters; ashore, they guarded naval bases. Their most memorable sea actions included the loss of USS Chesapeake, where the Marines resisted to the bitter end, and the duel between USS Wasp and Reindeer, where the Marines' musketry turned the tide. In the climactic campaigns of 1814, Marines served with distinction alongside soldiers and militia defending Washington, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Valiant in victory and defeat, they set a shining example everywhere. Although rarely numbering a hundred men at any one post, the US Marines served in every theater of the war, on both land and sea, and left a proud legacy for today's servicemen and women. "The... Marines... promised all that could be expected from a cool intrepidity, and a high state of discipline." -- Letter from Secretary of the Navy Jones to Congressman Richard M. Johnson, 3 October 1813
26. WNYN18_140824_119.JPG: Upon the Coasts: War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: Before the US established the Navy, the Treasury Department's Revenue Cutter Service watched its shores. During the War of 1812, the Service did inshore patrol duty, freeing the Navy's ships for blue-water cruises. Several of the Service's cutter crews distinguished themselves in combat during the war. In fact, the honor of capturing the first enemy ship fell to the cutter Thomas Jefferson in June of 1812. "Your gallant and desperate attempt... excited such admiration..." -- Letter from Lieutenant John Crerie, Royal Navy, to Captain Travis, US Revenue Cutter Service, 1813 The next year, the cutter Vigilant captured a famous British privateer off Rhode Island, while the cutter Eagle fought to the last ounce of powder against a [sic] two larger British warships, before escaping overland. A century after its display of dedication and courage in the War of 1812, the Revenue Cutter Service was converted into the US Coast Guard, which continues its proud traditions today.
27. WNYN18_140824_125.JPG: War At Home War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: War in the territories of the United States, bound by inland waterways, required close cooperation between military and naval forces. The strategic focus of both sides was the US-Canadian border, a vast and bountiful wilderness with few defenses. Though American generals expected great conquests at the border, only the British made real gains. The deteriorating land war stabilized when US Navy squadrons won total victories on the Great Lakes. Commitments in the Canadian theater left other regions under-defended. By 1814, British amphibious forces were poised for a knockout blow aimed at Washington, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Wherever the British landed, the Navy was there to share in the defense, along with Army and militia forces. Unable to break American resolve, the British sought a diplomatic solution, concluding with peace in 1815. "We have met the enemy and they are ours..." -- Dispatch from Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry to Major General William Henry Harrison, 1813
28. WNYN18_140824_127.JPG: War on the Sea: War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: Facing numerical odds of 20 to 1, the US Navy initially took advantage of Britain's commitments fighting France, and won a series of ship-to-ship duels in 1812. By the next year, the British used their superior numbers to blockade American ports, trapping much of the Navy in home waters. By 1814, however, several US ships had broken free, and fought duels from Britain to the Pacific. "We had retired from the combat with the stripes yet bleeding on our backs." -- London Times, 30 December 1814 Alone and on the run, the remaining American warships plagued British shipping. They took more than 500 enemy merchantmen and drove up prices in already war-weary Britain. By 1815, the US Navy had achieved greatness wholly out of proportion to its size, stunned the world, and upheld American resolve until an honorable peace was won.
29. WNYN18_140824_130.JPG: Postwar Times: War of 1812: A Nation Forged by War: Peace negotiations began in the Netherlands in late 1814. Aided by the American victories at Plattsburgh and Baltimore, US diplomats signed the Treaty of Ghent, which dictated a return to the status quo ante bellum, the state before the war. Fighting the world's leading empire to a draw brought international acclaim to the United States, especially to the Navy. Congress voted to expand the Navy shortly after the peace, to ensure future national security. Moreover, the War of 1812 gave Americans a sense of destiny; that the United States and its unique freedoms were meant not only to endure but to shine before the whole world. "... in a short time the nation became a young Hercules in their eyes." -- Reverend George Jones, Sketches of Naval Life, 1829
Description of Subject Matter: The Navy Museum is housed in the former Breech Mechanism Shop of the old Gun Factory (Building 76). Built between 1887 and 1899, the 600-foot-long building was one of several shops in the Yard that produced ordnance, missile components and electronic equipment until 1962.

In 1961 Admiral Arleigh Burke, Chief of Naval Operations, recognizing that the Washington Navy Yard was the Navy's oldest and one of its most historic sites, persuaded Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally to establish the U.S. Naval Historical Display Center (later the U.S. Navy Memorial Museum, then the Navy Museum).

Opened in 1963 to collect, preserve and display naval artifacts, models, documents and fine art. Through its exhibits, the Museum chronicles the history of the United States Navy from the Revolution to the present. The exhibits commemorate the Navy's wartime heroes and battles as well as its peacetime contributions in such fields as exploration, diplomacy, space flight, navigation and humanitarian service. Tools, equipment and personal materials offer the visitor a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of naval customs, way of life and contributions to society. The Navy Museum presents over 225 years of naval and maritime history, tracing wars, battles, and crises from the American Revolution through the Vietnam War.

The Navy Museum exhibits an extraordinary collection of ship models, uniforms, medals, ordnance, photographs and fine art. The museum collection also includes an F4U Corsair, nicknamed "Big Hog"; a twin mount 5-inch .38 caliber anti-aircraft gun; the foremast Fighting Top from frigate Constitution; and the bathyscaphe Trieste that descended nearly seven miles to the deepest location in the Pacific Ocean.

One of the most comprehensive exhibits, "In Harm's Way," examines the Navy's role in World War II from the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 to Japan's surrender in 1945. Divided into three sections, the exhibit examines the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns and the home front effort. Thematic exhibits, such as "Underwater Exploration," "Polar Exploration," and "Commodore Matthew Perry and the Opening of Japan," feature the Navy's diplomatic and peacetime contributions. World War II submarine periscopes, gun mounts, and other hands-on objects provide visitors with an interactive museum experience.

Tours for senior citizens, school groups, families, naval reunion groups, and general audiences are available. The Navy Museum sponsors evening events throughout the year including lectures, slide presentations, book-signings, and concerts performed by the United States Navy Band and traditional maritime musicians. Each fall the museum hosts the Seafaring Celebration, a family festival highlighting naval and maritime traditions. Activity workshops, demonstrations, storytelling, and musical performances provide thousands of visitors with exciting educational experiences throughout the day. All the museum's programs are open to the public and free of charge.

The above was from http://www.ndw.navy.mil/
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