Stephen Decatur

Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. (January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was an American naval officer notable for his heroism in actions at Tripoli, Libya and in the War of 1812.

Related Topics:
January 5 - 1779 - March 22 - 1820 - American naval - Tripoli - Libya - War of 1812

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He was born in Sinepuxent, Maryland, and was appointed midshipman in the Navy on April 30, 1798, serving on USS United States. His father, Stephen Decatur, Sr., was also a Naval officer, having commanded several ships. Another Stephen Decatur (1815–76) claimed to be his nephew and was an incorporator of Decatur, Nebraska.

Related Topics:
Sinepuxent, Maryland - Midshipman - April 30 - 1798 - USS ''United States'' - Stephen Decatur, Sr. - Stephen Decatur - 1815 - 76 - Decatur, Nebraska

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He married Miss Susan Wheeler, the daughter of the Mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, on March 8, 1806. In 1818, in Washington, D.C., he built a house designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The house, now a museum, was located on President's Square (Lafayette Square).

Related Topics:
Norfolk, Virginia - House - Benjamin Henry Latrobe - Lafayette Square

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Decatur is famed for his toast: "Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong."

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In 1820, Commodore James Barron challenged Decatur to a duel, relating in part to comments Decatur had made over what he considered Barron's poor conduct in the "Chesapeake-Leopard Affair" of 1807. The two officers fought in Bladensburg, Maryland, on 22 March 1820. Decatur was mortally wounded and died shortly afterwards, leaving his widow both penniless and childless.

Related Topics:
1820 - James Barron - Duel - ''Chesapeake''-''Leopard'' Affair - Bladensburg, Maryland - 22 March

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