John Paul Jones Park facts for kids

John Paul Jones Park is a public park in Brooklyn, New York. It is located in the Fort Hamilton area of Bay Ridge. The park is managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. This department took over the park property in 1897.

The park is named after a famous American hero, John Paul Jones. He was a brave naval commander during the American Revolutionary War. He is often called "the father of the Navy" because of his important role.

What to See at John Paul Jones Park

John Paul Jones Park is home to several memorials. These monuments remember important events and people from American history.

The Giant Rodman Gun

One of the biggest things you'll see is a huge black cannon called the Rodman gun. It was made in 1864 by an artillery expert named Thomas Jackson Rodman. This massive gun was first in Pennsylvania. In 1900, the United States Military gave it to the park. Today, it stands out in the park. It is surrounded by cannonballs and is part of the Civil War Memorial.

Remembering the Revolutionary War

There is also a special memorial for the American Revolutionary War. It has a bronze plaque set into a large granite rock. This plaque was given by the Long Island Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1916. It remembers the first time Americans fought back against the British in New York in August 1776.

The Dover Patrol Naval Memorial

Another important monument is the Dover Patrol Naval War Memorial. This monument was a gift from England after World War I. It was given by Sir Ashton Webb in 1931. It honors the Dover Patrol for their brave service. It also celebrates the friendship between the American Naval Force and the Dover Patrol during the first World War. The monument has a pyramid-shaped copper top on an obelisk.

A Special Flagpole

The park also has a 70-foot-tall flagpole. This flagpole used to belong to a Navy destroyer ship. It was added to the park in 1980. Next to it, there is a plaque. The plaque says "in honor of John Paul Jones, the father of the Navy."

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  The giant Rodman gun

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  The Revolutionary War Memorial plaque

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  The Dover Patrol Naval War Memorial

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  Plaque honoring John Paul Jones

Images for kids

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  John Paul Jones Park from above