Bainbridge, William (1774-1833), was a United States naval officer in the war with Tripoli and the War of 1812. He commanded the frigate Philadelphia in the war with Tripoli (1801-1805). He surrendered when it ran aground near Tripoli, and was held prisoner for more than a year. In 1812, he commanded a squadron of three ships composed of the Constitution, the Essex, and the Hornet. He captured the British frigate, Java, and Congress awarded him a gold medal for distinguished service. He was born in Princeton, New Jersey.