Vermont Welcomes a Hero Home

On May 1, 1898, George Dewey sunk or captured every Spanish ship in Manila Bay. Dewey, a Vermont native born across the street from the Vermont State Capital was born to Julius Dewey and Mary Perrin on December 26, 1837. Julius was a doctor and founder of the National Life Insurance Company of Vermont. When George was 15, he attended Norwich University in Northfield and entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1854. In 1897, George was appointed commander of the Pacific Fleet.

On April 23, 1898, the United States and Spain declared war on each other and George was ordered to take his ships to Manila Bay in the Philippine Islands to destroy or capture the Spanish fleet there. On that memorable first day in May, from his flagship the Olympia, George led his squadron into the bay. When the Spanish began firing on them, George said to the captain of the Olympia "You may fire when ready, Gridley." Not only are those words famous, but the fact that he withdrew from the battle at 7:35 for breakfast, attacked again at 11 and by noon had sunk or captured every single Spanish ship. And as for the Americans, there were no serious injuries among them.

When Admiral George Dewey returned to America, he was a naval hero and received many gifts, parades, and thanks. But for Vermonters, the best day was when he returned home. On October 12, 1899 everyone who was anyone came to celebrate. The day was destined Dewey Day and George visited friends and relatives and rode in his railroad car all the way to the State House. Many Montpelier buildings were decorated in red, white and blue, but the finest decorations were on the State House. With 260 red, white and blue lights making up the US flag measuring 8 by 14 feet and a large painting of the Admiral with a big WELCOME HOME sign, George couldn't have been more happy I'm sure. When night fell, the fireworks began and they were made to spell out messages and symbols such as "Vermont Welcomes Her Hero Home", "Manila, May 1, 1898, Montpelier, October 12, 1899", "Good Night" and the Vermont state seal. A gigantic bonfire was also ignited on Capitol Hill behind the State House and could be seen for miles around.

Admiral George Dewey was an American hero, and to Vermonters, the day he returned home was just as important as the day he became a hero.