John Paul Jones Memorial

The John Paul Jones Memorial, also known as Commodore John Paul Jones, is a monument in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. The memorial honors John Paul Jones (1747–1792), the United States' first naval war hero, who received the Congressional Gold Medal after the end of the American Revolutionary War. Jones is famous for allegedly saying "I have not yet begun to fight!" during the Battle of Flamborough Head.

Born in Scotland as John Paul, he emigrated to the United States in the 1770s and added Jones to his name. He had been a seaman since the age of 13 and when war broke out with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, he joined the Continental Navy. He was soon promoted to captain and commanded his first ship, the USS Providence, followed by the USS Ranger. After his decisive win at the Battle of Flamborough Head, he continued raiding ports and British ships, endearing him to French citizens. His last ship was the USS America, which he used to collect money from countries that owed debts. For his service in the war, Jones was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the only naval officer to receive one.

Jones died in France, and his grave was not discovered by Americans until 1905. His body was brought back to the United States, and there were immediate calls for a memorial to be erected in Washington, D.C., to honor one of the Revolutionary War's greatest heroes. Congress approved the memorial plans and allocated $50,000 for its installation. The dedication ceremony took place on April 17, 1912, with prominent attendees including President William Howard Taft, First Lady Helen Herron Taft, Navy Secretary George von Lengerke Meyer, and Horace Porter, who was responsible for locating Jones's grave. Charles H. Niehaus was the sculptor and Thomas Hastings, a partner in the Carrère and Hastings firm, was the architect.

The memorial is located at the terminus of 17th Street SW and Independence Avenue SW, near the Tidal Basin. The bronze statue, depicting Jones watching a battle while wearing a military uniform, stands on a tall marble pylon. Decorative elements include inscriptions, along with carved eagles and dolphins used in small fountains. The memorial is one of 14 sculptures in the American Revolution Statuary listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites. It is also a contributing property to the East and West Potomac Parks Historic District and the L'Enfant Plan.