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Barbary Wars
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  • Photograph
Wars & Conflicts
  • Barbary Wars 1801-1805, 1815
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  • National Museum of the U.S. Navy
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Schooner Enterprise vs Barbary Corsair Tripoli

On August 1, 1801, the schooner Enterprise, commanded by Lieutenant Andrew Sterett, encountered the Barbary corsair Tripoli west of Malta and prepared for engagement.  After a three-hour battle and false surrenders by Tripoli's commander, Admiral Rais Mahomet Rous, Enterprise broadsided the vessel.  Admitting defeat, Rous threw the Tripolitian flag into the sea.   The success of the battle inspired the United States to continue the war against the Barbary States.   Sterett resigned his commission from the Navy in June 1805. 


NH 54386-KN (Color): USS Enterprise vs. Tripolitan Corsair Tripoli, 1 August 1801. Lieutenant Andrew Sterrett leaving USS Enterprise to board the Tripoli after the corsair’s surrender. Artwork by Orlando Lagman after Claudus, 1965. Courtesy of th...
Caption: NH 54386-KN (Color): USS Enterprise vs. Tripolitan Corsair Tripoli, 1 August 1801. Lieutenant Andrew Sterrett leaving USS Enterprise to board the Tripoli after the corsair’s surrender. Artwork by Orlando Lagman after Claudus, 1965. Courtesy of the Navy Art Collection.

NH 56706: USS Enterprise vs. Tripolitan Corsair Tripoli, August 1, 1801. Line engraving by M. Corne.
Caption: NH 56706: USS Enterprise vs. Tripolitan Corsair Tripoli, August 1, 1801. Line engraving by M. Corne.

NH 56709: The fight between USS Enterprise and the Barbary Corsair, Tripoli, 1 August 1801. Photograph of a painting by G. A. Traver.
Caption: NH 56709: The fight between USS Enterprise and the Barbary Corsair, Tripoli, 1 August 1801. Photograph of a painting by G. A. Traver.

NH 44336: Master Commandant Andrew Sterett. Artwork by Charles St. Memin.
Caption: NH 44336: Master Commandant Andrew Sterett. Artwork by Charles St. Memin.
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Published: Wed Feb 10 12:39:32 EST 2021