THE USS CONSTITUTION in NH

Olver Wendell Holmes was just 21 when he penned his most memorable poem. It certainly saved the USS Constitutioni, but that salvation took 100 years. One of the nation's best loved patriotic poems first appeared in 1830 when the victorious frigate was only 33 years old and headed for the scrap heap.

SEACOAST POEMS

Sure you memorized it in school, but have you read it lately? Just 143 words, this classic American poem begs to be read aloud. Here is the complete poem plus the author’s notes. Additional notes include pictures of author Oliver Wendell Holmes as a young and old poet.

THE FIRST 200+ YEARS

Always beleaguered, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is again battling to steer clear of the federal base closure list. While its days may be numbered, its history is assured. One of the longest surviving shipyards in America, PNY has been making headlines and working hard for America since 1800..

Exclusive Last Photos

She was the lighthouse keeper’s wife more than half a century ago. Now aged 103, Connie Small thought she might never glimpse her old home from the sea again. But then along came Tug Alley Too. (Update included: Connies Small died in January 2005)

SEA BATTLES AS THEATRE

It was a smashing success. Over 2000 people saw John Paul Jones live onstage at the Portsmouth Music Hall in a dramatic recreation of his famous battle scenes about the RANGER and the BONHOMME RICHARD. For posterity, we have archived the photos by Rakph Morang, on stage and behind the scenes.

Paul Jones’ tomb is "under renovation" in honor of the 2005 centennial of his arrival in America. He was here before, during the Revolutionary War, but Jones’ body returned in 1905 and laid to rest at Annapolis. In honor of the event, we’ve posted our collection of old postcards from Paul Jones crypt in the basement of the Annapolis Chapel. 

JOHN PAUL JONES

Captain Jones has inspired scores of biographies since he burst into history during the American revolution. Evan Thomas has managed to capture both the latest scholarship and the elusive personality of the well-known, but rarely understood hero. Before his visit to SeacoastNH.com in Portsmouth, we talked to Evan Thomas by phone.

JOHN PAUL JONES & PORTSMOUTH, NH

Despite a mutinous Piscataqua crew, Paul Jones pulled off America's first major sea battle. The first successful American naval "raid" is all the more amazing, considering the odds against its success. Jones was fighting an enemy spirit within his own ranks from men more interested in plunder than democracy.

"Off Scarborough" (1878)
POEMS ABOUT JOHN PAUL JONES

Many great writers have taken on the exploits of John Paul Jones. Many more will. Here the Cowboy Poet dramatizes the battle of the Bonhomme Richard in "Off Scarborough" by Bret Harte.

SEACOAST TOP EVENTS
John Pail Jones House

They still celebrate his birthday at the Paul Jones House in Portsmouth. Many years ago we attended the celebration on the lawn and grabbed these photos. The simple ceremony often ends with red, white and blue cake. Our photo tour follows.