The memory of one of Russellville’s most famous historic residents was celebrated in Frankfort this spring. His actions over 200 years ago were billed as the “Opening Salvo of America’s War on Terror.”
Military veterans and patriotic citizens gathered at the grave of Lt. Presley N. O’Bannon in historic Frankfort Cemetery to remember and honor an American hero, who in 1805 led a small contingent of United States Marines on a daring raid to free American citizens taken captive by Barbary pirates off the coast of North Africa.
Pirates operating freely in these waters routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the fledging nation could afford.
Thomas Jefferson, America’s third president, decided to move beyond failed diplomacy and ordered the U.S. Navy’s new warships and a detachment of Marines to blockade Tripoli, thus launching the Barbary Wars and the beginning of America’s journey toward future superpower status.
Following his service in the Marine Corps (1801 – 1807), Lt O’Bannon moved to Logan County, making his home in Russellville, while serving in the Kentucky State Legislature and Kentucky State Senate from 1812 through 1826.
It was O’Bannon’s daring expedition into Libya, from which the famous lyrics “From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli” in the Marines’ Hymn have their historical origin.
Presley O’Bannon’s place in American history was recognized and honored at an April 30 ceremony, featuring a keynote address by Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Humble, USMC (Ret) of Russellville, at the O’Bannon gravesite. Humble is a former commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division. He and his wife Margaret, both graduates of Russellville High School, retired to Russellville several years ago.
A free luncheon was provided by the VFW at VFW Post #4075 in Frankfort.
O’Bannon built his home in Russellville on the corner of South Main and Ninth streets. Over the years it became the home of George Richard Bibb, a United States Senator who became Secretary of the Treasury.
This is the description of Lt. O’Bannon’s actions which was included with the announcement previewing the ceremony:
OPENING SALVO OF AMERICA’S WAR ON TERROR
COMMEMMORATED IN CEREMONY
HONORING KENTUCKY WAR HERO
LT PRESLEY N. O’BANNON, U.S. MARINE CORPS
LEADER OF FIRST FOREIGN MILITARY EXPEDITION
IN RESPONSE TO TERRORIST ATTACKS ON AMERICAN
SHIPPING OFF AFRICA’S BARBARY COAST
APRIL 30, 2016
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY