USS Alliance and the Last Battle of the American Revolution

More than two years after land operations had ceased, and six month before the Treaty of Paris was signed a little remembered battle off the Florida Coast saved the republic and cemented the reputation of the "Father of the United States Navy." The last battle of the American Revolution deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
You can purchase the bow tie worn in this episode at The Tie Bar:
www.thetiebar.com/?...
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
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Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #Americanrevolution

[@Fyeris_GS]

Hey History Guy - I’m a social studies teacher and general history lover, and I just want to let you know that you’re a great role model for history folks everywhere. Thank you for continuing to deliver well-researched, narrative-based content that is both compelling and entertaining. You’re headed for the stars, friend.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Wow, thank you!

[@paulmontgomery4696]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Bravo Zulu

[@allanlank]

Totally concur.

[@em1osmurf]

@@paulmontgomery4696 AFfirm!

[@RGC-gn2nm]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I turned my 12 year old nephew on to your channel last year. He had a book report and needed inspiration. A few weeks ago during a visit he had friends over, eight boys, I heard one conversation about history and critical thinking. These kids playing call of duty used ‘history deserves to be remembered’ and referenced several of your videos. Floored and with much respect sir.

[@bruceweidner8560]

As a retired Naval Officer who has studied a fair amount of history, I was unaware of this battle. Thank you giving it the attention it deserves.

[@njpaddler]

There is only one thing better than history and that's learning about history you never heard of before. And at the end I find out that the Commodore Barry bridge over the Delaware River, one I've crossed countless times, was well named.

[@denniswhite166]

Isn't it interesting to learn the history of rivers, areas, bridges and roads especially when they are local to you.

[@maxwellharris507]

The History Guy is just like Dr. Mark Felton. They both find the really obscure stuff that is nearly lost to time.

[@Farweasel]

AND present it superbly.............. Which, to be honest, helps.

[@liszcgsedt]

Obviously, we have similar tastes, Mark Felton (yes, actually it is the very similar approach as THG, albeit a narrower period) has the same drift.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Wow. How come I've never heard of the Alliance, or of John Barry for that matter. Also continued thanks to the French, Spanish, and others for their assistance in aiding our little rebellion.

[@geoben1810]

As a proud U.S. NAVY veteran I salute the brave and gallant crew of the USS Alliance. They set the example for the finest traditions of the U.S. NAVY. The Navy does it ALL, and does it ALL at ONCE! ✌🇺🇸

[@004Black]

I feel, in small part, a connection to early American maritime history. I was one of the last lighthouseman on Seguin Island Light off of Pompham Beach and Kennebec River in Maine. It was commissioned in 1797 by President Washington.

[@Farweasel]

Hence the nautical expression over a glass of Rum ........... Here's looking at you.

[@StarGazer568]

Ships named after John Barry • Barry I (Destroyer No. 2) • Barry II (DD-248) • Barry III (DD-933) • Barry IV (DDG-52)

[@redram5150]

Commodore Barry definitely deserves his own episode. In fact, he had more to do with establishment of an American navy than John Paul Jones

[@agentwashingtub9167]

John Paul Jones was a pirate. No loyalty does he posses 🎵

[@heidimarchant5438]

@@agentwashingtub9167 and doesn't all good stories involve pirates😎

[@agentwashingtub9167]

@@heidimarchant5438 It’s also a sea shanty lyric

[@heidimarchant5438]

@@agentwashingtub9167 I thought I've heard that somewhere before

[@boysofwexford]

As an Irish man and a Wexford man I'm proud to say we still remember Commodore Barry here in his home town of Wexford. JFK whose ancestors hailed from the same county spoke on his visit here at the foot of our statue to commodore Barry the year before he was sadly killed. Two great Americans and also two great Irish men.

[@dadStinks]

Story suggestion: The bombing on Naco Arizona - The bombing, although unintentional, is noted for being the first aerial bombardment of the continental United States by a foreign power in history. I live just north of Naco and this is such a cool story that deserves to be remembered!!!

[@RetiredSailor60]

Well Shiver me timbers maties, that was a great history lesson. Miss going to sea, riding the waves, the myriad of abundant sea life, and crossing the many Seas for new adventures. Served on USS Semmes DDG 18, USS Cape Cod AD 43, USS Kinkaid DD 965, USS Whidbey Island LSD 41, and USS Wasp LHD 1.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thank you for your service!

[@RetiredSailor60]

@Dave Moore You're welcome sir

[@RetiredSailor60]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel You're welcome sir..

[@gellfex9287]

Gotta be a special pride serving on a ship like the Wasp whose name dates back to the beginning of the USN! Thanks Sailor!

[@RCAvhstape]

I knew Marines who served aboard Wasp when she was brand new.

[@barryervin8536]

So now when I drive over the Commodore Barry Bridge I can appreciate who it was named for. Another great story of history I didn't know about.

[@em1osmurf]

when at great lakes naval station, i took an officer's naval history course (2 very thick volumes) and remember Barry's contribution. he holds an almost god-like position in US Naval history. thank you for this.

[@stephenmartini5890]

My Dad built 47 wooden models of Tall Ships, each a work of Art. The Swedish King's personal Man of War ship, the WASA was four and a half ft. long and four ft. high, took him three years to build, as everything had to be made by hand.

[@earlyriser8998]

now that was a classic episode of 'forgotten history'. well done

[@zeppelinmage]

Speaking of the Revolution... I'm a direct descendant of Captain Isaac Davis's widow... the first man killed at Concord. It would be great to see a story on him.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

We may well do an episode on Isaac Davis. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gInap4CuaaaVm5o

[@bloodybones63]

zeppelinmage So, not a descendant of Captain Davis, but of the man who later married the widow? Is that correct?

[@zeppelinmage]

@@bloodybones63 Correct.

[@zeppelinmage]

I like to joke that if not for the British, I would not exist.

[@bruceschneider4928]

THG needs merch reading "Don't all good stories involve pirates?"

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

teespring.com/THGPirates?adgroup=21055994105&aid=ts-boosted-src&cid=2745&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-aGCBhCwARIsAHDl5x9_ha8aqVzOpF3IWc_abBc00z4meQtZZ9DvgjpagbhU1KPRd3x0yWIaAqkDEALw_wcB&matchtype=b&network=g&pid=46&tsmac=store&tsmic=the-history-guy&

[@garywiseman5080]

I bought a mug. The price with tax and shipping was $17.76!

[@heidimarchant5438]

@@garywiseman5080 😂😎 that's witty and awesome!🖒

[@lizj5740]

@@garywiseman5080 What can we say? Pirates everywhere!

[@thekinginyellow1744]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I would buy one, but I can't stand images of sailing vessels that have flags blowing into the wind

[@loqutus8]

As a retired US Navyman, I always love a good Naval History lesson. Thank you sir, you always have great content

[@andrewcollins2366]

Damn, that John Paul Jones does get about, captain of a navy ship one century and then writing songs with a quintessential musical act the next. The mans got talent! ⚓️🎸🤘🏼

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

LOL

[@24602400]

4 years Navy, I love it! I was on USS Forrestal CVA 59 in Vietnam. I still love it!

[@Mark.G475]

Didn't that boat almost sink ?

[@karenharper2266]

Thank you for your service!!

[@charlesgoodwin8691]

John McCain almost sunk it.

[@RCAvhstape]

@@Mark.G475 *ship. And that fire killed a lot of guys.

[@Mark.G475]

@@RCAvhstape my Dad was in the U.S Marine Corp around this time. He said Boats when talking about the Navy. A great little taxi service for the Marine Corp 😁

[@TomKeown]

As a former Navy man, I always enjoy THG episodes that focus upon naval histories and events, especially those of the early US Navy. Ian Toll's "Six Frigates" is an excellent read about the struggled (and nearly aborted) birth of the US Navy, and I highly recommend it to anyone else interested in the subject.

[@MrWATCHthisWAY]

It’s John Paul Jones’s famous words that hold true in the US Navy and that’s the reason his remains are entombed at the US Naval Academy. I recommend everyone take the tour there.

[@tomblack6972]

That’s a great suggestion, but the academy is closed for who knows how long

[@MrWATCHthisWAY]

@@tomblack6972 I should have stated PP in my suggestion. Post Pandemic when life returns to some normalcy.

[@RCAvhstape]

As long as the ruling elite doesn't find some reason to cancel Jones before the pandemic is over.

[@patrishawhitenburg7841]

@@RCAvhstape True, yet the cancel phenomenon is only a small minority, the rest of the leftist party just agrees because they think it shows solidarity...lol.

[@RCAvhstape]

@Just Looking FFS you totally can't comprehend what I wrote? Can I make it simpler for you? Want me to type slower maybe?

[@chuckaddison5134]

This was not among the Naval history taught in boot camp. Too bad.

[@jimmym3352]

Did they even teach any naval history in boot camp? I did my Navy boot camp in Orlando. I don't remember any history being taught, but I struggled to stay awake in any classroom stuff we did. Lack of sleep, and plus the inactivity of the classroom setting made any kind of meaningful learning near impossible for me.

[@mattphillips1910]

This channel is, by far, my favorite channel on YT. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us.

[@brudweger]

T shirts.....add one with a bowtie printed around the neck.

[@carlkoenigsmann1846]

I think your programs are fantastic, thanks! A suggestion for a future episode is the history of TWA. My father worked for TWA for 30 years as a mechanic and the airline has an interesting background associated with Howard Hughes.

[@charlesnolan7602]

I drive over the Commodore Barry Bridge, (Chester,Pa- Bridgeport, N.J.), regularly! Thanks , History Guy!!

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Any chance you could do an episode on the USS Phenakite or otherwise known as the USS Sachem? The 100+ year old ship still sits in a creek tributary of the Ohio River in Petersburg Kentucky. I hope one day it gets preserved. Created by railroad tycoons, serving in WW1 and 2 and having passengers like Thomas Edison and at one point, Madonna! Its history that deserves to be remembered.

[@wmschooley1234]

Have you ever done a video on The Penobscot Expedition of August 1779? It's been called the worst US Navy defeat until Pearl Harbor. Take a look and see it it's history that deserves to be remembered. Respectfully, WS

[@kantemirovskaya1lightninga30]

I am an army combat vet and history buff and I have to say this is my most favorite episode ever. Thank you for bringing the story to us

[@Me2Lancer]

A big thank you from an US Navy vet.

[@duanemiller5606]

Another great episode as usual and it shames me to say in an area I don’t know to much about the American revolution. I have studied much about the land battles but not very little about the naval battles. As a matter of fact the only revolutionary battle on the high seas I knew much of was fought up in what is now Castile Maine and it was the worst naval disaster until Pearl Harbor for the United States Navy. Thank you for helping to enlighten me.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I plan to do an episode on the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition. More Revolutionary War naval action here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKbWqoljg9ODnJY kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4mneK2jhNB2a8k

[@duanemiller5606]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel I can honestly say I never knew John Paul Jones attacked England. Thanks for the link it was very enlightening. I await the episode on the Penobscot Expedition eagerly. I wonder if you will be able to add to my knowledge of that event or should I say “how you will”. Maybe you can confirm or prove otherwise in regards to if Paul Revere was really as much of a detriment as some accounts have made him out to be.

[@jesusseoane2296]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel it would be nice a episode about American revolution and the acción of 9th of August 1780

[@Dylan_Neal_13]

This is another excellent video, I am very much enjoying going back over your previously made content. While this video is two years old, and thus I am sure someone may have pointed this out to you, a sailing warship of this period carrying a battery of 64 guns would not be classified in any navy as a frigate, but rather a third rate ship of the line. While 64 gunners were on the smallest end of the third rates (third rates comprising warships typically of two gun decks with between 64 and 80 guns) they were significantly larger and more heavily armed than any frigate of the period and thus represented a real threat to those Royal Navy vessels pursing the Americans.

[@IvorMektin1701]

The Brits were trying to take over our launch pads!

[@davidcampbell4465]

Maybe they were trying to get to Ft. Lauderdale for spring break! 🤣👍

[@fredherfst8148]

Oversimplification....not in tune with the bizarre complexity of Mr. Guy's tale.

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Point of legal designation, sir! Privateers are decidedly NOT pirates, as I'm sure you know. They are issued letters of marque, and therefore may LEGALLY capture ships and cargo of enemy nations.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I talk more about the the distinctions in this episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6rTgHt5q5d9qbs

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Holy crap, I didn't expect a response! Thank you, sir, I'm sure I've seen it before, but I'll gladly watch it again!

[@dougearnest7590]

When our guys operate under Letters of Marque = Privateers. When the other guys operate under Letters of Marque = Pirates.

[@hankpoth9681]

I still have a book from my teen years about "John Barry: The Father of the AmericanNavy". That book is about 56 years old.

[@loyalrammy]

Mr History Guy, please do an episode on the Diary of Martha Ballard. It gives a glimpse into the social medicine of midwifery in the late 18th and early 19th century. Also, women’s economy which normal records ignore and the transition from Exclusive Congregational/Calvinistic church going and the splintering into free will Baptist/ evangelical churches. This diary is a remarkable in that Mrs Ballard records the daily happenings of everyday life and the ministry of friendship with which she engaged....

[@dirtcop11]

Both of my mother's parents had ancestors that were lieutenants under George Washington at Yorktown, VA. My grandparents met and married a little over 100 years after the battle of Yorktown. In January of 1920, my mother was born, their youngest child. While it is not historically significant, it is interesting to think that their ancestors may have known each other long before my grandparents married.

[@dougearnest7590]

This is actually one of the most fascinating things I've read.

[@datasailor8132]

You might be eligible in that case to become a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, a hereditary society of the male descendants of the officers of the Continental Army. Only one member per ancestor is allowed. Very hoity toity.

[@WiliiamNoTell]

Another great history lesson, from the history guy!

[@roderickfraser9788]

A case can also be made for Henry Knox as father of the US Navy. Knox was Secretary of War and worked hard to create a US Navy, when others like Thomas Jefferson thought a Navy was not needed. BZ on a great video

[@georgedoolittle7574]

There would be many "last Battles of the American Revolution" and indeed many still going on today I would argue.

[@blueboats7530]

Now we're going to need an episode about the Newburgh Conspiracy, apparently

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

In this episode: kzbin.info/aero/PLSnt4mJGJfGiA06_teoOUTpuk--cHcz1P

[@Paveway-chan]

Those U.S. frigates were pretty beastly ships for being called frigates. They carried huge carronades and could almost be likened to the german ”pocket battleships” of the Deutschland class. Impressive ships.

[@charlesoneill7993]

Dear HG I've been a subscriber for years now and I have yet to be disappointed by one your segments! when I get home from work at night I hit your channel with equal parts joy and trepidation, joy... because it's the highlight of my day!!! trepidation... because the offering you post might finally be the one that disappoints, well it's been close to 1500 days since my cousin ( who is currently on deployment in the Indian ocean engaged in counter piracy measures and...well don't all good stories involve pirates) turned me on to your channel and that day of disappointment im starting to think is a figment of my imagination. That is to say I believe you sir, lack the capacity to disappoint not a bad thing in this day and age!!! Keep up the great work your the best!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronfullerton3162]

Just another grand episode in the long line of excellent history lessons. Thank you so much THG!

[@thelocalon17usdaprime72]

Greatest channel on KZbin

[@walterwarren2402]

One of your better episodes. Definitely not a boring story. Thanks for sharing this history

[@stevewixom9311]

I sear i don't know where or how you find these stories but i salute you for all the time and effort it must take.

[@ss442es]

Awesome story! There is so much rich and fortunate history about the beginning of this country. Your stories should be required watching of grammar school kids!

[@timpotter2956]

A good bit of Irish-American Histroy right before St.Patrick's Day. I remeber acquiring a copy of 'Treasure Chest', a Catholic school comic book that circulated in parochial schools during the 1960s, that had an article on John Barry. Among other things, the article related how Barry commanded the vessel , a brig, that won the first American Naval victory over a warship of the Royal Navy, (a sloop-of-war). Stenge how one remembers these things. RIP, Commodore Barry.

[@1TakoyakiStore]

I've never heard of this and I live within an hour from Cape Canaveral! Thank you for bringing this particular skirmish to our attention. 😁

[@mah6183]

And thus we have the Commodore Barry Bridge, crossing the Delaware River just south of Philadelphia, from Chester, PA to South Jersey. 👍

[@Jeyrod]

Another quality video. Thank you History guy!

[@schlirf]

Dang Navy, always trying to have the last word...

[@davidcampbell4465]

Go Navy!

[@schlirf]

@@davidcampbell4465 ...as I was saying...

[@davidcampbell4465]

@@schlirf ok, Anchors Aweigh! ⚓⛵

[@johnathandavis3693]

WW2 - the 1st (!) and the last. God bless our Navy - from an old Cav Scout....

[@schlirf]

@@johnathandavis3693 ALLONS! and Scouts out...from an equally old Cav Scout! Lets grab a few beers and some Ansbach and visit the navy's poop decks, that what they're there for right? 😉

[@MrMoTheMan]

GREAT STORY!! Thank you.

[@owenbrau63]

I live mere blocks away from the Commodore Barry Arts and Cultural Club in Philadelphia.

[@rickharold7884]

Super interesting thanks!!

[@thedreadpiratewesley2301]

From wikipedia regarding her fate : Apparently, no details of Alliance's subsequent career have survived. However, when she was no longer seaworthy, the former frigate was abandoned on the shore of Petty Island across the Delaware from Philadelphia. At low tide, some of her timbers could be seen in the sands there until her remaining hulk was destroyed during dredging operations in 1901

[@markbyrum4743]

Excellent! Great vid. Keep at it!

[@kevinsluder3711]

Great video. I live near Amesbury MA, where the Alliance was built. Amesbury has a lot of fascinating history for small town, worth its own video. Please consider doing one, really great industrial history there as well as connections to famous people ranging from Al Capp to Mary Baker Eddy to John Greenleaf Whittier.

[@LaneFritzsche]

The best part of everyday is starting it with one of you’re videos. Keep up the great work. BZ!

[@tomkelly6833]

Shout out to The History Guy. You sir deliver the best never told in school history. My greatest appreciation for all you do.

[@Res375]

Thank you. Always happy to see your videos. Liked and shared.

[@jeremiahallen5236]

So few views, hope it gets more, keep doing what you're doing!

[@Leavon]

Thank you, I enjoyed that segment.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

The U.S. Navy. A proud tradition. I joined her in 1979, fresh out of high school. I love your military stories HG.

[@hickory572]

I just love to watch the tall ships sail

[@richardcharay7788]

Thank you for another excellent video.

[@xvsj5833]

❤️ Love your channel and research ❤️Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@franknicholson6108]

Great episode as usual. Thanks again

[@MM-hu3ys]

Another amazing and surprising episode!

[@edwardv1219]

What a great story, I love naval history. This is by far the best site keep up the good work

[@vortttss2906]

As I currently live in cape Canaveral how did I never know about this

[@frankgulla2335]

Nicely done, sir. I thought I knew about the Revolutionary naval war, but did not know the details of the alliance. Thank you.

[@edkokosko1759]

Outstanding!

[@infoscholar5221]

Another great doc.

[@usgator]

I live near Cape Canaveral and the local paper just ran an article about this. Fascinating to know it happened so close!

[@LostInTheFarmersMarket]

These videos are the best. You can tell when the history guy hits a spot he likes though. He always cracks a sly smile that says 'this is the best part'.

[@PhantomLover007]

Always heard about the bonhomme richard and JPJ, but not the ‘rest of the story’ Outstanding

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson.

[@kristensorensen2219]

Love your history lecture!!

[@Rascal_the_Raccoon]

Awesome!

[@tildenkatz5581]

Another great vid

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Im actually a direct descendant of John Paul Jones, he was my great grandmothers great great grandfather. But I would love to hear a video about how the American Revolution affected the French Revolution. Always wanted to hear more details about it.

[@curtiskretzer8898]

Jones never married

[@daveapplemotors]

Lance, sometimes your 13 minute videos can take me twice as long to digest. I want, nay need, to learn. I listen to a part again (and again) until I got it. Studying versus listening. Thank you very much.

[@rexmyers991]

Very interesting! I had no idea of these sea battles.

[@SSGTStryker]

Sir, or another suggestion is the last battle of WW2, in Europe. Specifically the Battle of Castle Itter (May 5, 1945). It is oftentimes referred to as the strangest battle, and the only engagement where both U.S. and German forces fought alongside each other. It too is a fascinating story.

[@timeflysintheshop]

That was a good one! I never heard of that ship before. Thank You!

[@richardgalli7262]

I did not know this bit of history

[@shanemize3775]

I've never heard of this fascinating battle before. As usual, you told the story in such a captivating manner that you had me from beginning to end. Lol. Just incredible. It's mind blowing that the states refused to fund a Navy when it played such a pivotal role in the late struggle against the Crown and considering the size and reach of the new nation's merchant marine. So incredibly short sighted...that must be a tradition of Congress dating back to the beginning of the Republic. Lol. Great episode, as always! Please keep the outstanding videos coming and God bless you and your family, my friend!

[@blueocean9305]

Well done sir.

[@danmo43]

Thank you so much for that! I love the old sailing ships and March 10 is my birthday.

[@TINCANsquid]

my pic is USS Barry(DD933) foreground and USS Edson (DD946). Saucy Jack Barry is the father of the USN. Barry was my first can

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thank you for your service!

[@Pocketfarmer1]

Perhaps a deeper dive into the history of American privateering would be interesting .

[@TheHylianBatman]

Always appreciate a story of American tenacity and heroism.

[@Spitnchicklets]

Hey History Guy, I consider myself to be a history connoisseur. I have no form of education in the area, but I do have a profound fondness for the worlds history, in particular American history. I would really enjoy if you did a piece on the USS Constitution “ Old Iron Sides. I enjoy all your videos, I’m glad I found you on KZbin.

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Seems history repeats itself yet again. New tactics. New revolution.

[@frannyfranfrancis]

Love hearing history that has my home town, West Palm Beach, in it. Florida stories have not been the best as of late. Florida Man gives us a very bad rap.

[@thunderK5]

Minor note; A 64-gun vessel like Triton would have normally been considered a 4th-rate ship of the line, not a frigate. As such she would have been built differently from a frigate, favoring ability to mount cannons and take damage over speed and maneuverability.

[@ccswelding1599]

The Battle of Cape Canaveral ...Spaceships VS Sailing Ships

[@sstace69]

I think I saw that movie....😂