Ever Wonder Why Stephen Decatur Name Is So Linked To Area? Local Ties Explained

BERLIN — A recent trip to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis exposed me to the exploits of Stephen Decatur. Since he had ties to Worcester County, I decided to find out more about his naval hero and I wasn’t disappointed.

He was born in 1779 at Sinepuxent in Worcester County, the son of a naval officer who served in the Revolutionary War. After a brief stint at college, he joined the United States Navy at 19 years old. In the tumultuous early years of our country, he played a major role in the development of the American Navy.

He served under three presidents and was involved in almost every theater of operation during that era, showing exceptional heroism and leadership. He rose rapidly through the ranks and became the youngest person in the history of the U.S. Navy to achieve the rank of captain.

His initial trial by fire was in the Barbary Wars where he helped defeat the nest of pirates at Tripoli. Then he acted with honor in the quasi war with France and especially in the War of 1812 with Britain.

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