Philly History - the Greene Country Towne

The Six Original Frigates of the US Navy

2011-03-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

US merchant ships were susceptible to piracy in the late 18th century due to a weak US Navy. Prior to the Revolution, British Naval forces protected American ships, especially in the heavily trafficked waters of the Mediterranean. In the years after independence, the US could not afford a large standing Navy and so their merchants were left unprotected. With the outbreak of the French Revolution and the subsequent French-British wars, the Royal Navy found an easy source of manpower in American ships, pressing men from their ranks.

Early on the US Federal government, and especially the Anti-Federalist contingent, resisted building a naval force for financial reasons as well as for fear of provoking action with the European imperialistic powers. However, as piracy, impressment by the Royal Navy, and an undeclared naval war with France continued to grow, the need for a Navy became unavoidable.

In 1794, the House passed a bill allowing for the construction of the "original six frigates." Designed by Joshua Humphreys of Philadelphia, they were constructed in shipyards across the young country. The USS United States was built right in Philly and went on to have an illustrious career, famously capturing the HMS Macedonian in the War of 1812.

source: wikimedia commons

Of the six, the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides" still remains, berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Her history is amazing, especially her performance in the War of 1812 when she defeated 5 British warships.

I find late 18th century and early 19th century naval history fascinating, and have been working my way through the Aubrey-Maturin series of books by Patrick O'Brian (of Master and Commander fame) and absolutely loving them. What is most amazing about America's "original six" is the success they had against the greatest navy of all time. Why were early American warships so lethal against their well-trained and powerful Royal Navy counterparts? Thats a good question.

The Constitution with its topgallant and royal masts rigged:

source: fas.org

source: flickr user Christine4nier

July 4th 1788 - A Constitutional Parade

2011-01-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Upon the successful ratification of the Federal Constitution by the required 9 states, Philadelphia's citizenry decided to celebrate that July 4th 1788 with a huge parade. Led by important Philadelphians each representing a constitutional ideology, event, or person, the parade also included representatives of city's tradesmen. The Order or Procession survives to this day, and is a neat look into the celebration of this momentous occasion.

source: explorepahistory.com

Detour: Montreal

2010-10-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

Its been about a month since I've posted, for various reasons, but one is that I was away in Montreal for the past week attending a conference. The trip was fantastic. Its a city I had never been to, but have heard much about, so the expectations were high. It didn't disappoint. I'm just going to outline a few of the places I went with a few friends. We didn't see many of the major attractions like the museums or much of the old city or the biosphere, but concentrated on visiting neighborhoods and their restaurants / cafes / and bars.

Friday, October 1st

The conference started on Tuesday the 5th, but I arrived the previous Friday to see the city and stay with a friend / colleague and his wife. They live in a beautiful early 20th century apartment right off of McGill University's campus and 2 blocks from downtown.

For dinner we walked down Prince Arthur street towards the “Plateau” area. Over Saint Laurent Prince Arthur turns into a pedestrian-only street, and is lined by French Bistros and other touristy shops. It seems to be the most touristy section of this French side of Montreal, but was reasonably priced and bustling with locals, students, and tourists alike. We had dinner (Duck Confit) and some house wine and just relaxed in the cool weather.

Saturday, October 2nd
Once the whole party had arrived in Montreal, we decided to head up to Fairmount to get the famous bagels at
Fairmount bagel bakery
74 Fairmount Avenue West http://www.fairmountbagel.com/

Walking down Prince Arthur, we came to Avenue du Parc and caught the #80 bus going NW. Due to construction at the Fairmount stop, we got off at Saint Viateur and du Parc. Walking on Saint Viateur we encountered a really nice neighborhood with lots of people and really great looking cafes, patisseries, and bagel places. Plenty of Orthodox Jews were out wearing big cylindrical fur hats for the Sabbath. We decided we would have to come back and spend some time at the cafes. Taking a right down Saint Urbain, we came to Fairmount and made a left, arriving at Fairmount bagel.

Philly History - the Greene Country Towne

The Six Original Frigates of the US Navy

July 4th 1788 - A Constitutional Parade

Detour: Montreal

Philadelphia's Early Clubs

The Pennsylvania Hospital

The Powell House

The Holy Experiement - Philadelphia Churches in the 18th Century: Part 2

Philaplace

The Holy Experiement - Philadelphia Churches in the 18th Century: Part 1

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Philly History Blog

The Greene Country Towne

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