Thomas Truxtun
| Thomas Truxtun | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
February 17, 1755 Hempstead, New York |
| Died | May 5, 1822 (aged 67) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1794–1801 |
| Rank | Commodore (USN) |
| Commands held |
USS Constellation USS President |
| Battles/wars |
Quasi-War First Barbary War |
Thomas Truxtun (or Truxton) (February 17, 1755 – May 5, 1822) was an American naval officer after the Revolutionary War, when he served as a privateer, who rose to the rank of commodore in the late eighteenth century and later served in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War in North Africa. He was one of the first six commanders appointed to the new US Navy by President Washington. During his naval career he commanded a number of famous U.S. naval ships, including USS Constellation and USS President. Later in civilian life he became involved with politics and was also elected as a sheriff.
Truxtun was born near Hempstead, New York, on Long Island, the only son of an English country lawyer. He lost his father at a young age and was taken to Jamaica on Long Island with relatives and placed under the care of a close friend, John Troup. Having little chance for a formal education, he joined the crew of the British merchant ship Pitt at the age of 12, against his father's previous wishes for him to pursue a career in politics.
Because of his skills, by the time he was twenty, Truxtun had garnered command of his own vessel, Andrew Caldwell. Before the Revolution he was impressed into the Royal Navy and was offered a midshipman's warrant, which he turned down.
He operated as a U.S. privateer during the American Revolutionary War, commanding several ships: Congress, Independence, Mars, and St. James. Truxtun was highly successful in capturing enemy ships during this period, not once suffering a defeat.
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