Lunch & Learn: Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy

Today—in advance of the October 13 anniversary—we recognize the beginning of the United States Navy with the story of Isle of Wight County’s own Revolutionary War hero, experienced maritime authority and member of the first six United States Congresses. Josiah Parker of Macclesfield on Smith’s Neck, as our elected Representative to the third U.S. Congress in 1793, chaired the congressional committee that authorized our nation’s first fighting ships. For this he has been called “the father of the U.S. Navy.” One of these ships, USS Constitution—also known as Old Ironsides—survives today in Boston as the world’s oldest commissioned naval warship. Local historic ship aficionado Lawrence Lindsey Jones recounts the 232-year history of Old Ironsides and her connection with Josiah Parker.