RICHARD DALE

Richard Dale was one of Virginia’s most daring and celebrated heroes of the American Revolution. Born in 1756 at Dale’s Point, in what is now Portsmouth’s Waterview neighborhood, he was the son of Winfield and Ann Dale. At just twelve years old, he went to sea as an apprentice aboard a merchant vessel owned and captained by his uncle. Life at sea was filled with adventure and danger. During his early years at sea, Dale suffered broken bones after falling down a ship’s ladder, fell overboard, and even survived being struck by lightning. However, after eight years he developed seldom-matched leadership and sailing skills.

 

When Virginia declared its independence in 1776, twenty year old Dale quickly joined Virginia’s coastal navy and later the Continental Navy. His courage and resourcefulness soon became legendary. While being held prisoner aboard a British ship, he helped seize control of the vessel and capture its crew. Throughout the war, he endured multiple wounds and periods of captivity. On one occasion, he escaped from prison by tunneling to freedom; on another, he simply walked out of a British prison disguised as a British officer.

 

Dale’s most famous service came as first lieutenant aboard the Bonhomme Richard under the command of John Paul Jones. During the epic battle against the larger British warship HMS Serapis, Dale rallied the crew and helped secure a hard-fought American victory. He continued to serve with Jones and later commanded more privateers that preyed upon British shipping.

 

After the Revolution, Dale became the first superintendent of the Gosport Naval Shipyard. During his tenure, the USS Chesapeake, one of the original six frigates authorized for the newly established United States Navy, was constructed there.

 

His final military service came during the campaign against the Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. After retiring from the Navy, Dale settled in Philadelphia with his family. There, he helped establish a mariners’ church and became a founding member of the Society of the Cincinnati. He died in 1826 and was buried in the churchyard of Christ Church Burial Ground, not far from the grave of his friend, Benjamin Franklin. His personal sword, a gift from John Paul Jones, is displayed in Pennsylvania Historical Museum.

 

In recognition of his extraordinary service, five U.S. Navy ships have borne the name Dale. Portsmouth honors Richard Dale with two monuments: one at the intersection of North and Washington Streets and another near the eastern end of the Churchland Bridge in Waterview. In 2026 SPPA installed a mural on the east wall of 720 County Street depicting Dale’s extraordinary life in four vignettes. This mural was painted by Sam Welty, a muralist known for his historical representations. A matching grant from Virginia Commission of the Arts, the VA250, and the NEA America helped to make the tribute possible.

 

Source: History of Portsmouth, Virginia by Holladay & Burgess.