Rocky vs. Barry
Barry’s statue may be 2nd most photographed in Philly
Almost every time I walk through the south side of Independence Square, John Barry is the center of attention. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”
Everyone coming to Philly seems to want a photo in front of the Rocky statue (from the film Rocky III) near the Art Museum of Philadelphia.
But I’m betting the Barry statue is #2 in Philly photographic popularity.
That’s Commodore John Barry … known to many as the “Father of the U.S. Navy.”
If you’ve never heard of him, it’s proably because he was known to naval historians as “Silent John.” He didn’t blow his own horn … the way many of his contemporaries did.
But I’ve almost never walked through Independence Square (behind Independence Hall) without seeing one or more people photographing him.
Why is his statue so popular?
I think it’s because Barry’s figure is so realistic and so aggressive.
There’s no standing quietly for John Barry. Not while there are British ships to fight. And battles to win.
His figure is defiant. Aggressive. Hostile.
In one hand, he carries a spyglass, with a sheathed sword by his side. In the other, he points strongly at the Delaware River, the scene of so many of his victories.
Most likely, he’s saying to the British: “I’m coming for you.” And he did.
Interesting Oddities
As I note in my book, “Real Philly History, Real Fast” … Barry “won the first and last successful battles the Continental Navy fought with the British (plus many in between).” He also set the record for the fastest day of sailing in the 18th century, traveling 237 miles in a 24-hour period aboard the Black Prince.
While waiting for a ship to finish construction, Barry fought on land at the battle of Princeton. He was a man of action.
President John F. Kennedy kept Barry’s sword in the oval office as a source of inspiration. That’s how important John Barry is to those who know and admire him.
Fast Facts
Statue Location: Independence Square, 5th and Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
Statue Dedication Date: March 16, 1907.
Donated by: Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, of which he was a member.
Cost: $10,300.
Sculptor: Samuel Murray.
Dimensions; Granite base, 12’ square; pedestal: 11’ high; Statue: 9’6” high.
Some Sources:
https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2009/june/i-passed-philadelphia-two-boats
McGrath, Tim. “John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.” Yardley: Westholme Publishing, 2010.
Great minds think alike. I hoped to put this cover photo on my book, “Real Philly History, Real Fast,” published by Temple University Press. Good thing the publisher chose a series of photos instead. Another author used almost this identical cover photo on her book about a month before mine was published in June 2021. Barry is a popular fellow. Photo by Jim Murphy.