Just 5 days after the U.S. declaration of war against the British, Captain John Rodgers (1772-1838), in command of the frigate USS President, chases and engages the HMS Belvidera off Long Island.
Rodgers personally fires the first shots in the War of 1812 and severely damages the British man-of-war. However, a cannon on the President explodes, injuring Rodgers and killing 16 men, allowing the Belvidera to escape and take news of the war to Canada.
Rodgers, born and raised in Cecil County near the Susquehanna River, goes to sea as a teenager. During a celebrated career in the young U.S. Navy, Rodgers plays a large role in developing the Navy’s rules and customs.
