Commodore Matthew C. Perry - Newport, RI - Maritime Monuments and Memorials on Waymarking.com

An 8' high by 3' by 3' bronze statue of Commodore Matthew C. Perry stands on an 8' high by 3' diameter round base what contains bronze relief panels depicting events in the life of Commodore Perry. The statue was created by sculptor John Quincy Adams Ward, the architect was Richard Morris Hunt and the bronze casting were made at the L. A. Amouroux and Robert Wood and Co., foundries. The monument was dedicated October 1, 1868.

Commodore Perry is depicted wearing the uniform of the United States Navy. He is wearing a double breasted jacket. has a cape draped over his right shoulder, and is displaying tassels on his left shoulder. His left palm is holding a sword at and angle towards his body. The tip of the sword is touching the ground near his left foot.

The circular granite base has four bronze bas-relief panels that represent events in Perry's life. Above the panels are the inscriptions:

AFRICA 1743 - MEXICO 1846 - TREATY WITH JAPAN 1854

below the panels is the inscription:

COMMODORE MATTHEW C. PERRY U.S.N. DIED 1858 AGED 64

Matthew C. Perry was born in Newport, Rhode Island on April 10, 1794. Perry became a midshipman in the US Navy in 1809. He saw action during the War of 1812 while aboard the USS President. Perry then served on the Perry USS United States for the duration of the War. He then fought against the Barbary Pirates of the coast of North Africa. In 1840 he was promoted the the rank of Commodore and subsequently served during the War with Mexico.

Matthew C. Perry was an strong advocate for modernizing the US Navy with steam powered ships. He is considered to be the "Father of the Steam Navy". His most famous for his treaty with Japan what opened the previously closed country for trade with the United States, albeit by the use of gunboat diplomacy. He retired due to ill health and was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. He died in New York City on March 4, 1858.

Relevent website: [Web Link] List if there are any visiting hours: Always available Entrance fees (if any): 0 Date dedicated: 10/01/1868 Sponsor(s): Commissioned by August Belmont , Administered by City of Newport, Rhode Island Parking coordinates: Not Listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   09/03/2022 stevepre2 visited it