Beech Tree News Network

The Tripolitan War- One of the most overlooked conflicts in American history is the Tripolitan War that the United States was involved in from 1801-1805. In 1801, President Jefferson wanted to continue good relations in the Mediterranean by speaking with North African leaders. When the ruler of Tripoli tried to increase the yearly tribute, Jefferson refused to pay. In response, Tripoli declared war on the United States.
    This war was mainly a naval conflict. The U.S. tried to blockade Tripoli’s ports in 1802; however, these moves proved unsuccessful. In 1803, the American frigate Philadelphia ran aground near Tripoli. The 300-man crew was captured, and the Tripolitan navy repaired the ship to use for its own. One great hero did emerge from this conflict. In 1804, Lieutenant Stephen Decatur of the U.S. Navy sneaked into the port of Tripoli and burned the Philadelphia during a nighttime raid. The Tripolitans lost a great ship and bargaining chip with its destruction. Later that year, U.S. warships bombarded the coast of Tripoli, and Tripoli made peace in 1805. While this war was not a large military conflict, it proved that the U.S. was ready to stand up for her own rights whenever challenged.
           This is the conflict that is sung about in the “Marines’ Hymn”: “From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli…”