Washington District of Columbia
Biographies

Commodore Stephen Decatur
1779 - 1820
Furnished by : John Sharp

Photo from : Naval Historical Center, Department of Navy Portrait of Commodore Stephen Decatur

Commodore Stephen Decatur, born in Maryland first saw service during the Quasi War with France in 1798, later served with great distinction against the Barbary pirates. He was made the youngest Captain in the U.S. Navy after his successful burning of the Philadelphia in Tripoli harbor. During the War of 1812 Decatur achieved fame for commanding the United States to a decisive victory against the British frigate HMS Macedonian. For his exploits he was promoted to Commodore where he again served against the Barbary pirates with distinction. Captain Decatur had very pronounced views on how his ship should be rigged and complained to the Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton about what he perceived as Commodore Tingey's interference (See letter of 11 December 1809). He died in 1820 as the result of a duel. Commodore Tingey and Captain John Cassin would act as pallbearers at Decatur's funeral. Stephen Decatur lived one block north of the White House on the corner of H Street and Jackson place. Today his home is a museum run by the National Park Service. For more information see Decatur House web page: http://www.decaturhouse.org/about/location.htm#

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