James Lawrence House

New Jersey’s War of 1812 Naval Hero — Birthplace of Captain James Lawrence, “Don’t Give Up the Ship!” USS Chesapeake vs HMS Shannon 1813, Circa 1740 Historic Home, Armed Forces Heritage Museum, Burlington County New Jersey

James Lawrence House is a state historic site at 459 High Street, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey. This circa-1740 home was the birthplace and family residence of Captain James Lawrence (1781–1813), the U.S. Navy hero of the War of 1812 who immortalized the rallying cry “Don’t give up the ship!” Today the house serves as headquarters for the Armed Forces Heritage Museum (AFHM) and features military history exhibits spanning all American conflicts, period-furnished rooms depicting the Lawrence family’s colonial-era lifestyle, artifacts from the War of 1812 and the USS Chesapeake, connections to Burlington County Historical Society campus, and free public access.

“Don’t Give Up the Ship!”

On June 1, 1813, Captain Lawrence commanded the frigate USS Chesapeake in battle against the British frigate HMS Shannon off Boston harbor. Mortally wounded in the fierce engagement, Lawrence uttered his now-legendary last command: “Don’t give up the ship!” Though the Chesapeake was captured, Lawrence’s words became the most famous rallying cry in American naval history. His friend, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, had the words stitched onto his battle flag for the Battle of Lake Erie later that year, where they inspired the decisive American victory.

The House and Museum

The circa-1740 house sits on the campus of the Burlington County Historical Society. Now operated by the Armed Forces Heritage Museum, the house contains exhibits on American military history from the Revolution through modern conflicts. The house also features period furnishings and interpretation of colonial Burlington life. A memorial flag flies in Lawrence’s honor along Burlington’s riverfront promenade.

📍 Location: 459 High Street, Burlington, NJ — Armed Forces Heritage Museum. On the Burlington County Historical Society campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Don’t give up the ship” mean?

It was Captain Lawrence’s dying command during the USS Chesapeake’s battle with HMS Shannon in 1813, becoming the most famous rallying cry in American naval history.