From the April 15, 2013, Solano and Napa Valley (Ca) Times-Herald "Mare Island ties to War of 1812 include Francis Scott Key descendant" by Sarah Rohrs.
Mare Island Naval Shipyard wasn't even around during the War of 1812, but it did have some connections.
Mare Island's first commanding officer was David Farragut who joined the Navy at age 9 and served in the war as a sailor on the USS Essex which captured several British whalers. Of course, he went on to gain some notoriety during the Civil War.
Daniel Turner is buried at the Mare Island Cemetery. He served in the war as an assistant engineer and held the rank of second lieutenant. He was married to Anna Arnold Key who is also buried at the cemetery. She was the daughter of one Francis Scott Key of "Star-Spangled Banner" fame.
Mare Island was also the station of the frigate USS Independence, built near the end of the war in Boston though it never fought. It remained at the island for 54 years and served as living quarters for sailors and Marines, a sick bay and chapel.
In commemoration of the war, Mare Island has an exhibition of War of 1812 ships painted by Hans Skalagard at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum at 734 Marin Street running until June 29th. "War of 1812: Ships from the Age of Fighting Sail."
If You're in the Area. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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