John Barry may be Philly’s 2nd most photographed statue

Commodore John Barry points at the Delaware River, where he led some extraordinary victories over the British. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

I don’t think I’ve ever walked through the south side of Independence Square without seeing someone taking a photo of John Barry. And no wonder. 

This powerful aggressive figure looks like he’s about ready to jump down from his pedestal and start firing on the British in the Delaware River.

That’s why I believe it is the second-most photographed statue in Philly, behind only the Rocky statue on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philly photographic popularity.

The statue, by sculpture Samuel Murray, was donated by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and dedicated March 16, 1907.

For more on the exploits of Barry, often considered the Father of the American Navy, see Tim McGrath’s wonderful book, “John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.” 

I think you’ll very impressed by Barry. And ready to photograph his statue, too.

Some Sources:

• https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/plaques-and-statues-in-the-park.htm

• McGrath, Tim. “John Barry: An American Hero in the Age of Sail.” Yardley: Westholme Publishing, 2010.

• Murphy, Jim. "Real Philly History, Real Fast." Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2021.