HRNM Educator
In examining Post-Revolutionary War America and the Age of Sail, lies a compelling story of the first Jewish Commodore, Uriah Phillips Levy, who was influential during the early years of the United States Navy. Throughout his tenure in the Navy, Levy was instrumental in dismantling antisemitism, promoting justice through the abolition of flogging, and preserving Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello.
Uriah Phillips Levy was born on April 22, 1792 into a Jewish family from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Levy was the youngest of three siblings and at an early age was determined to live his life at sea. By the age of ten, Levy left home and began his Naval career as a cabin boy aboard the New Jerusalem in 1802. He later became a sailing master and fought in the Barbary Wars. During the War of 1812, Levy was assigned to the USS Argus as a supernumerary sailing master. Argus destroyed several British ships until it was captured by the British on August 14, 1813.
An engraving by T. Sutherton, after an artwork by Whitcombe, showing the capture of USS Argus by HMS Pelican on August 14, 1813. (Naval History and Heritage Command) |
(Photo by M.C. Farrington) |
|
During his naval career, Levy faced considerable antisemitism. This first began while aboard the New Jerusalem in which his “adherence to the Hebrew belief brought him chaffing from the crew.” Later, while aboard Franklin as a young sailing master, some crew members resented his Jewish heritage which nearly ended his naval career. After being promoted to designated officer, “he found himself the victim of increased religious hatred and intolerance particularly among the midshipmen, who had expected to eventually outrank him.” Levy also faced discouragement from his family who warned him about the “dangers or seafaring life” and felt that as a member of the Jewish community, he should pursue a professional career. Moreover, Levy’s forbearance towards antisemitism demonstrated his bravery and commitment to serving the U.S Navy and ability to break through the barriers of religious bigotry.
This undated engraving, possibly based upon a photograph, shows Levy at the apex of his career. (Library of Congress via White House Historical Association) |
However, perhaps Uriah Levy’s most significant contribution to the American people was his effort to preserve, conserve, and repair President Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. Towards the end of Jefferson’s life, he had fallen into debt which forced his family to sell the estate. In May of 1836, Levy, who admired Jefferson as a patriotic leader of the free world, acquired Monticello. During the first few years of ownership, Levy oversaw “slaves and hired workers who labored to resurrect the long- neglected house,” which had been in ruin. (68)
Prior to Levy’s death in March of 1862, he wanted to give the estate to the United States Government, which refused it on account that they did not preserve the homes of former presidents. Later in March of 1879, Levy’s nephew, Jefferson Monroe Levy, purchased the home at a public auction. Monticello remained in his care until it was purchased by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation in 1923. The Levys' efforts in restoring one of nation’s most notable historic landmarks demonstrated their devotion and understanding for historic preservation as a way of maintaining the legacy of its leaders and the past.
References:
Fitzpatrick, Donovan. Navy Maverick: Uriah Phillips Levy. New York: Doubleday, 1963.
Leepson, Marc. Saving Monticello: the Levy Family’s Epic Quest to Rescue the House that Jefferson Built. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2001.
Urofsky, Melvin I. The Levy Family and Monticello, 1834-1923: Saving Thomas Jefferson's House. Charlottesville: Thomas Jefferson Foundation, 2001.
No comments:
Post a Comment