Stephen Decatur - Legacy

Legacy

Although he died at a relatively young age, Decatur helped determine the direction of the new nation and played a significant role establishing its identity. For his heroism in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812 Decatur emerged as an icon of American naval history and was roundly admired by most of his contemporaries as well as the citizenry:

• In honor to Stephen Decatur, five U.S. Navy ships have been named USS Decatur.
• At the urging of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the U.S. Post Office Department issued a series of five stamps honoring the U.S. Navy and various naval heroes, Decatur being one of the few chosen, appearing on the 2-cent issue, along with fellow officer Macdonough.
• An engraved portrait of Decatur appears on a series of 1886 $20 silver certificates.
• Stephen Decatur's home in Washington, D.C. is a museum owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
• At least 46 communities in the United States have been named after Stephen Decatur. Interestingly, the Georgia county named Decatur has its county seat at Bainbridge.