Barry and Lafayette – Irish and French Heroes of the American Revolution

Commodore John Barry and Marquis de Lafayette, military heroes of the American Revolution, are memorialized side by side on Boston Common, in homage to their enormous contributions during the Revolutionary War.

Born in September 6, 1757, Lafayette was a French nobleman who volunteered to serve in the Continental Army and soon became a close confidante of General George Washington at age 19.  Lafayette was instrumental in securing French support for the American cause, and played a significant role in key battles, including the battles of Rhode Island, Brandywine, PA and Yorktown, VA.

Born on March 25, 1745 in County Wexford, Ireland, Barry emigrated to Philadelphia at age 15 and became a successful maritime merchant and volunteered to serve on the colonial side when the war started. In March, 1776, Barry was commissioned to command the ship USS Brig Lexington and in April, 1776, the Lexington captured the British ship Edward, marking the first American naval victory in the American Revolution. 

In December 1781, following the Battle of Yorktown, Commodore Barry transported Lafayette back to France aboard the frigate Alliance. There, Lafayette joined American emissaries Benjamin Franklin, John Laurens, John Adams, and John Jay to secure continued French support for the new American nation, according to The Uncommonwealth.

Lafayette and Barry are honored with plaques on Boston Common, created by noted Boston Sculptor John Francis Paramino. The Lafayette plaque was unveiled in 1924, marking the centenary of Lafayette’s last visit to Boston to lay the cornerstone of Bunker Hill Monument. In 1949, a plaque of Commodore Barry was unveiled, with the exact dimensions and appearance of the Lafayette pique. James Michael Curley was mayor of Boston when each of two plaques were unveiled. A few months after the Barry unveiling, Curley took a replica of the plaque with him to France to present to government officials there.

Massachusetts commemorates Lafayette Day annually on May 20, the date of his death in 1834, while John Barry is commemorated in Massachusetts on September 13, the date of his death in 1803.

Read more about the role of the Irish in the American Revolution, and the Massachusetts Lafayette Society.