John Paul Jones Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Paul Jones Memorial |
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| Artist | Charles H. Niehaus |
| Year | 1912 |
| Type | Bronze |
| Dimensions | 330 cm × 97 cm × 110 cm (130 in × 38 in × 43 in) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Owner | National Park Service |
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John Paul Jones Memorial
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | West Potomac Park, S.W. Washington, D.C. |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Part of | American Revolution Statuary. |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000256 |
| Added to NRHP | July 14, 1978 |
The John Paul Jones Memorial is a special monument in Washington, D.C.. It is located in West Potomac Park. This memorial honors John Paul Jones, a very important person in American history. He was the United States' first naval war hero. Many people call him the father of the United States Navy. He was also the only naval officer to receive a Congressional Gold Medal during the American Revolutionary War. John Paul Jones is famous for saying, "I have not yet begun to fight!" He said this during the Battle of Flamborough Head.
History of the John Paul Jones Memorial
The John Paul Jones Memorial was officially opened on April 17, 1912. It was the very first monument built in Potomac Park. You can find it near the National Mall. It is at the end of 17th Street Southwest. This spot is close to Independence Avenue. It sits on the northern side of the Tidal Basin. A sign nearby tells more about John Paul Jones. It also shares facts about the memorial's history and its special features.
Design and Features of the Monument
The memorial has a large bronze statue of John Paul Jones. This statue is 10 feet (3 meters) tall. Charles H. Niehaus was the artist who created it. The statue stands on a tall marble pylon, which is 15 feet (4.6 meters) high.
On both sides of the monument, water gently flows out. It goes into a small pool below. On the back of the monument, there is a special carving called a bas-relief. This carving shows John Paul Jones raising the United States flag on his ship. His ship was named the Bonhomme Richard. This event is thought to be the first time the American flag was flown on a United States warship.
National Recognition of the Memorial
The John Paul Jones Memorial is a very important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of a larger group called the American Revolution Statuary in Washington, D.C. This means it is recognized for its historical value and beauty.
