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Stephen Decatur: American Naval Hero, 1779-1820
Born to a prominent Philadelphia family in 1779, Stephen Decatur at age twenty-five became the youngest man ever to serve as a captain in the U.S. Navy. His intrepid heroism, leadership, and devotion to duty made him a perfect symbol of the aspirations of the growing nation. Leading men to victory in Tripoli, the War of 1812, and the Algerian war of 1815, and coining the phrase "Our country, right or wrong," Decatur created an enduring legend of bravery, celebrated in poetry, song, paintings, and the naming of dozens of towns―from Georgia to Alabama to Illinois.
After the War of 1812, Decatur moved to Washington to help direct naval policy. His close friendships with James Madison, John Quincy Adams, and other political leaders soon made him a rising star in national politics. He and his wife Susan made their elegant home on Lafayette Square near the White House a center of Washington society. The capital and the entire nation were shocked in 1820 when Decatur died at the age of forty-one in a duel with a rival navy captain.
In this carefully researched and well-written biography, historian Robert Allison tells the story of Decatur's eventful life at a time when the young republic was developing its own identity―when the American people were deciding what kind of nation they would become. Although he died prematurely, Decatur played a significant role in the shaping of that national identity.
After the War of 1812, Decatur moved to Washington to help direct naval policy. His close friendships with James Madison, John Quincy Adams, and other political leaders soon made him a rising star in national politics. He and his wife Susan made their elegant home on Lafayette Square near the White House a center of Washington society. The capital and the entire nation were shocked in 1820 when Decatur died at the age of forty-one in a duel with a rival navy captain.
In this carefully researched and well-written biography, historian Robert Allison tells the story of Decatur's eventful life at a time when the young republic was developing its own identity―when the American people were deciding what kind of nation they would become. Although he died prematurely, Decatur played a significant role in the shaping of that national identity.
- GenresAmerican HistoryHistory
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
14 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Allison
69 books15 followersDr. Robert J. Allison is Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston and also teaches history at the Harvard Extension School. He graduated from the Harvard Extension School with an A.L.B. before earning a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization at Harvard in 1992.
Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.
His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.
Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.
Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.
His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.
Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 20, 2023
Stephen Decatur was the youngest man to ever serve in the capacity of Captain in the United States Navy. When he assumed that role, he was a mere 25 years old. He was considered to be a very capable leader, seeing victories in Tripoli, the War of 1812, and the Algerian War. His career and personal achievements were celebrated throughout the countries, with cities and counties being named in his honor. We have a Decatur here in Tennessee, probably more than one, but this one I am mentioning is just a few minuets from me. I never knew that Decatur was a popular place name in honor of this man. He had such a life and career, that his death seems fitting in retrospect...however, I was slightly surprised when I first read about it.
This book was fairly short, around 300 pages, and I completed it quickly. I had never heard of this man prior to reading this book, so it was not a waste of time to read. I was gifted this book by a sweet friend in the Navy, who also supplied me with a few other naval history books. I appreciate the gift, and am glad to have put it on the list to get through this year. I am very proud of how much I have read so far in my effort to get my unread books under control and downsize for a move. If you are interested in the American Navy and its history, this wouldn't be a bad selection for you.
This book was fairly short, around 300 pages, and I completed it quickly. I had never heard of this man prior to reading this book, so it was not a waste of time to read. I was gifted this book by a sweet friend in the Navy, who also supplied me with a few other naval history books. I appreciate the gift, and am glad to have put it on the list to get through this year. I am very proud of how much I have read so far in my effort to get my unread books under control and downsize for a move. If you are interested in the American Navy and its history, this wouldn't be a bad selection for you.
May 21, 2025
A rich and compelling biography of Decatur.
The style is pretty traditional, and Allison tells Decatur’s story in chronological fashion. Allison describes Decatur’s influence on American naval policy. The narrative is pretty insightful overall. The writing flows well.
Some readers may find that Allison never really engages his source material in critical fashion. Others might wish for more background on the navy’s culture of honor as it relates to subjects like dueling, or American patriotism, or the Navy’s own traditions. Allison also assumes some familiarity with the era’s naval terminology from the reader. There’s a few typos. The book also lacks a bibliography.
There’s also a few minor errors here and there. Allison writes that “General Robert Smith” commanded the American militia at Fort McHenry. Alexander Thomas Cochrane is called “Thomas Cochran”, when he makes a brief appearance at the start of the book. In the index he also makes an appearance after “Alexander Cochrane,” who is listed separately for some reason.
A concise, readable and insightful work.
The style is pretty traditional, and Allison tells Decatur’s story in chronological fashion. Allison describes Decatur’s influence on American naval policy. The narrative is pretty insightful overall. The writing flows well.
Some readers may find that Allison never really engages his source material in critical fashion. Others might wish for more background on the navy’s culture of honor as it relates to subjects like dueling, or American patriotism, or the Navy’s own traditions. Allison also assumes some familiarity with the era’s naval terminology from the reader. There’s a few typos. The book also lacks a bibliography.
There’s also a few minor errors here and there. Allison writes that “General Robert Smith” commanded the American militia at Fort McHenry. Alexander Thomas Cochrane is called “Thomas Cochran”, when he makes a brief appearance at the start of the book. In the index he also makes an appearance after “Alexander Cochrane,” who is listed separately for some reason.
A concise, readable and insightful work.
June 26, 2013
I think this is probably the fairest of the recent crop of Decatur biographies. Sure, it's a brief survey, but I'd tack on extra stars just because the author avoids the usual hero worship.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews