Prized Property-Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail - Edgewater MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 38° 53.487 W 076° 32.895
18S E 365726 N 4305869
A victory off the coast of Brazil inspired John Contee to name this property “Java’s Farm.” Contee was a lieutenant on the USS Constitution when it captured and burned the British frigate HMS Java, December 29, 1812.
Waymark Code: WM16M59
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 08/24/2022
Views: 1
Prized Property-Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
— War of 1812 —
A victory off the coast of Brazil inspired John Contee to name this property “Java’s Farm.” Contee was a lieutenant on the USS Constitution when it captured and burned the British frigate HMS Java, December 29, 1812.
Contee purchased a plantation here called “Sparrow’s Rest” in 1819. Whether or not he used prize money from the battle with HMS Java, as legend claims, there is little doubt why he chose the new name.
“Mr. Contee took command of the Marines, and I have pleasure in saying that his conduct was that of a Brave good Officer, and the Marines behaved with great coolness and courage during the action, and annoyed the Enemy very much…”
Captain Isaac Hull to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton, August 28, 1812.
Victories at Sea
Contee was also on USS Constitution on August 19, 1812 when it defeated HMS Guerriere and earned the nickname “Old Ironsides.”
(Inscription under the image of the ships)
Engraving of the capture of the British frigate Java by USS Constitution, created by Sarony & Major, ca. 1846
(Inscription beside the image of the coin)
Medal commemorating defeat of HMS Java. Image/Clements Library, University of Michigan.
Group that erected the marker: National Park Service
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Contee's Wharf Road
On the grounds of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Edgewater, MD United States
21037
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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