USS Lady Washington (1776)

For ships with a similar name, see USS Washington.
History
Name: USS Lady Washington
Namesake: Martha Washington
In service: 1776
Out of service: 1778
Homeport: New York City
General characteristics
Type: Row galley
Service record
Part of: Continental Navy

Lady Washington was a row galley in the Continental Navy, named in honor of Martha Washington. It was the first U.S. military ship to be named in honor of a woman (and of a future First Lady) and the first named for a person while the person was still alive (see also List of U.S. military vessels named after living Americans).

Lady Washington was built in New York City in the spring of 1776 at the behest of General George Washington after he transferred his forces from Boston to New York. Constructed with New York funds for the defense of the Hudson River, the galley remained active under Washington through June 1777. During the next year the New York fleet captured about a dozen prizes before the permanent British occupation of the city caused the State to abandon naval activities.

See also

References

    1. History of Paterson and Its Environs by William Nelson and Charles A. Shriner, NY & Chicago; Lewis Historical Publishing co. 1920 Volume II, p, 65-68.
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