Naval History and Heritage Command
National Museum of the U.S. Navy
The American Revolution and the French Alliance
Bldg. 76
The American Revolution and the French Alliance
Though facing insurmountable odds, the underdog naval forces of the young United States proved their savvy by helping to defeat Great Britain in the War for Independence. The exhibit traces the American naval effort in its three components: the Continental Navy, state navies, and privateers. Victory was gained for America through a combination of American determination, French assistance, and British military blunders.
Interesting artifacts in the Revolutionary War exhibit include:
- Dinner Bell of Esek Hopkins, Commander of the Continental Navy
- Personal articles of Captain Matthew Parke of the Continental Marines during the Revolutionary War
- Sword and firearms of the Revolutionary period
- Fore foot from one of General Arnold's gunboats.
- Iron 6-pounder gun from Massachusetts privateer Defense. For side view, click here. For front quarter view, click here.
- Portraits and bust by Jean Houdain of John Paul Jones.
Ship Models of Continental Navy ships in the American Revolution area:
Continental Navy ship Alfred. Click on the model for a history of the ship.
Continental Navy frigate Bonhomme Richard. Click on the model for a visual-art history of the ship.
Continental Navy schooner Hannah. Click on the model for a visual-art history of the ship.
Continental Navy gondola Philadelphia. Click on the model for a visual-art history of the ship.
Continental Navy frigate Raleigh. Click on the model for a visual-art history of the ship.
Continental Navy galley Washington. Click on the model for a visual-art history of the ship.
