The Birthplace of John Paul Jones – Scotland - Atlas Obscura

 

The birthplace of this hero of the American Revolution is located near Kirkbean in Dumfries and Galloway in Southern Scotland. Now operating as a museum it is on the Arbigland Estate.  This small, and somewhat primitive, cottage, overlooking  the Solway Firth, is where the famous mariner, often described as founder of the US Navy  was born in 1747. His father was a gardener for the estate. The cottage has been restored to appear as it would have looked in 1747. Within the museum building is also   a reconstructed cabin of Jones vessel, Bonhomme Richard. 

He was named John Paul at birth. He ran off to sea at the age of 13 but added the name Jones later. He served  as mate on merchant vessels and slave ships  where he made several voyages to America. He settled there when he inherited a small estate from his brother. During the American Revolution he commanded a fleet which made an abortive landing at Whitehaven in Cumbria, England. During his merchant service was said to be less than popular amongst the crews because of his harsh treatment of subordinates but he did have great success as a naval officer, capturing HMS Drake in April 1789 and his most famous victory at the Battle of Flamborough Head which took place in 1779. The details of this battle are presented in the museum.

He later took command of  a Russian fleet in the Baltic during the reign of Catherine the Great who is said to have personally invited him to join her navy. His decision to move to Russia was caused by his frustration at the 10 year delay, waiting in France, for command of a new American ship. In Russia he was campaigning in the Black Sea during the Russo-Turkish War of 1787 to 1792. where he was successful in repelling a large Turkish fleet. 

He died in Paris in 1792. His body was returned to the USA in 1905.

The museum opened in 1993 following an extensive restoration programme.

Know Before You Go

Despite what it sometimes  says on the internet the museum  is closed on Monday's.  At other times it opens at 11am. 

Community Contributors