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12 The Washington Navy Yard persuaded the American people and their representatives in Congress to build a postwar fleet worthy of the new, proud nation. The legislature provided for the building of nine ships of the line and twelve 44- gun frigates at navy yards, rather than at private yards whose products were often considered unsatisfactory. In 1819, the Washington Navy Yard launched the 74-gun Columbus, which served the Navy ably until her deliberate destruction to prevent capture during the Civil War. Completion of the frigate Potomac coincided with Commodore John Rodgers’ development of a new aid to construction and repair. He considered it possible for yard workers to haul a ship out of the water on an inclined plane and into a roofed-over building so work could proceed regardless of wind, rain, and snow. The commodore demonstrated the feasibility of his project before President James Monroe, members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, and the public in 1822. Using ropes, 140 men hauled Potomac out of the water and along a wooden incline, the nation’s first marine railway. So impressed were his visitors that in 1823 Congress authorized construction of a marine railway to be powered by men, animals, or mechanical winches and a large, covered shiphouse. The completed building became a recognized feature of the Washington Navy Yard for many years. The first ship worked on in the shiphouse was Potomac, which took part in the siege of Vera Cruz during the Mexican War and operated with the Union blockading forces in the Civil War. From the beginning, the navy yard was closely involved with the activities of the federal government in the nation’s capital and with the life of the Washington, D.C. community. For instance, skilled yard workers repaired a chandelier that fell from the ceiling of the House of Representatives. On several occasions during this early period, Above. “President John Quincy Adams” by Asher B. Durand (Navy Art Collection). Left. “USS Brandywine” by N. Cammilliari (Navy Art Collection). The ship carried Lafayette home to France in 1825.
Supporting the New Navy 13 navy yard men left their workstations to help battle fires in Alexandria and Georgetown. Throughout its history, the navy yard was host to distinguished American and foreign visitors. President John Quincy Adams stood on the deck of frigate Brandywine as she entered the Eastern Branch. Yard workers cheered heartily, not only because of the President’s presence but because they were given the rest of the day off to mark the occasion. Originally called Susquehanna, the ship had been renamed to honor French General Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution who showed exceptional leadership during the Battle of Brandywine. The general and his party made “The Marquis de Lafayette” (Pierpont Morgan Library, artist unknown). A French hero of the American Revolution. a triumphal procession through the streets of Washington and enjoyed a full day of ceremonies at the White House, Capitol, and navy yard on 15 October 1824. Mrs. Tingey hosted a tea for the distinguished French general. The following September, to the cheers of many Americans lining the Potomac, the general boarded Brandywine, then anchored in the river. As the ship prepared for the transatlantic journey to France, Lafayette bade farewell to the country whose freedom he helped win. The yard entered a new era on 23 February 1829 when Thomas Tingey, Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard for almost three decades, died in his quarters. That April, Commodore Isaac Hull, captain of Constitution during her famous fight with HMS Guerriere in the War of 1812, became the next commandant. The New Englander immediately directed that excess stores, equipment, and building materials be sold or shipped to other yards, shops be cleaned and reorganized, and the yard be made generally shipshape. Change is not often well received, but Hull’s personnel actions caused more than the usual irritation. He cut the pay of some workmen and reduced the number of employees in several shops. These and other actions caused friction between Hull and his workers. Matters came to a head in 1835 when Hull, frustrated by the loss of tools and stores to theft, forbade workers’ bringing their food containers into the yard. Even though one workman was discovered secreting government materials out of the yard in his food basket, the others were outraged that their integrity was questioned. Around Navy Department building near the White House. Cooler heads finally prevailed and after compromises were made on both sides, the men returned to work. In the fall of that difficult year, Hull asked for and was given permission to resign as commandant. In the years after his resignation, several officers served as commandant; two died during office in the Commandant’s House.
Page 2 and 3: THE WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
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Notes 1. Quoted in Peck, Round-Shot
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104 Bibliography Dudley, William S.
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Index A ABCD ships, 39 Adams, John,
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Index 109 Forrestal, James, 78, 93
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Index 111 P Pacific, 19, 39, 71, 85
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