History of the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel
At 210 feet tall, the naval academy chapel is the tallest building and a beautiful central piece on the Yard. In June 1904, Admiral George Dewey laid the cornerstone for what would become the United States Naval Academy Chapel. After nearly four years of construction, the first service was held here on May 28, 1908. Though originally designed in the shape of a Greek cross with an occupancy of 1,200, the chapel was renovated in 1938 which added a nave and expanded the occupancy to 2,500.
The Chapel is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, unique artifacts, and its circa 1908 organ, which is the largest drawknob organ in the world. Of course, it’s also the final resting place of Revolutionary War Naval Officer, John Paul Jones. Known for his exploits at sea, to include raids along the English Coast and his defeat of HMS SERAPIS during the Battle of Flamborough Head, Jones is considered one of the most daring and successful naval officers of the Revolutionary War.
So What Happened to the Body of John Paul Jones?
Jones’ renowned burial here was not always the case. In fact, when John Paul Jones died in Paris in 1792 during the height of violence during the French Revolution, it was in relatively obscurity and his gravesite was later forgotten. It wasn’t until June 1899 when an exhaustive investigation was undertaken by U.S. Ambassador Horace Porter, who was determined to find the body of John Paul Jones. After six years of research, reviewing maps, studying any and all writings related to Jones, and visiting various sites and people in Paris, Porter finally discovered the remains of John Paul Jones in March 1905, preserved in alcohol in a lead coffin. But perhaps it is best to read it in his own words:
“On March 31 a third leaden coffin was unearthed. This, like the others, was of a shape resembling that of the mummy coffins, a form quite common then, gradually widening from the feet to the shoulders, with a round projection at the upper end, which contained the head. It was much superior in solidity and workmanship to the others. A thorough search was made, but no inscription plate could be found.”
On April 7 the coffin was opened in presence of Col. Blanchard, M. Weiss, M. Géninet, superintendent of the work, the foreman, several workmen, and myself…The body was covered with a winding sheet and firmly packed with hay and straw. A rough measurement indicated the height of Paul Jones…To our intense surprise the body was marvelously well preserved, all the flesh remaining intact, very slightly shrunken, and of a grayish brown or tan color…Upon placing a medal near the face, comparing the other features and recognizing the peculiar characteristics—the broad forehead, contour of brow, appearance of the hair, high cheek bones, prominently arched eye orbits, and other points of resemblance—we instinctively exclaimed, “Paul Jones!” and all those who were gathered about the coffin removed their hats, feeling that they were standing in the presence of the illustrious dead—the object of the long search.”
President Theodore Roosevelt organized a grand ceremony for John Paul Jones’ return to the United States. The remains were brought to America onboard the USS BROOKLYN and escorted by other ships. When they approached the American coastline, seven battleships joined the escort.
On April 24, 1906, Jones’s coffin was placed in Bancroft Hall at the United States Naval Academy, after a ceremony in Dahlgren Hall, presided over by President Roosevelt. Then on January 26th, 1913, the remains of John Paul Jones were finally re-interred in a bronze and marble sarcophagus beneath the Naval Academy Chapel.
For decades a guard stood watch at the crypt of John Paul Jones, but that practice was discontinued around 2006. Today, visitors can explore the crypt in their own time and pay their respects to one of the most daring and fascinating figures from American history. As you walk around you will see display cabinets with artifacts, a remarkable bust of John Paul Jones, and multiple tablets and signs that give a little bit more of the history of John Paul Jones and the discovery of his body.
For an interactive visit to the crypt, check out my video: