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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

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Origins of the Navy


Photo #: 80-G-K-21225 "First Recognition of the American Flag by a Foreign Government", 14 February 1778
First Recognition of the American Flag by a Foreign Government, 14 February 1778. Painting in oils by Edward Moran, 1898. (80-G-K-21225)

The U.S. Navy’s creation and development extended over nearly a quarter of a century, from the American Revolution to the Quasi-War with France, and proceeded in the face of numerous political, philosophical, and economic obstacles. The following essay and listing of resources paint a colorful and well-round picture of the service’s origins.

"The Birth of the U.S. Navy," historical essay by Adam Bisno, Ph.D., NHHC Communication and Outreach Division

Resources

Publications

The Sextant Blog Posts

Some Continental and Early U.S. Navy Ships

Selected Infographics, Video, and Imagery

(click to learn more or to download)

A short history of the United States Navy and an examination of the circumstances surrounding the Naval Act of 1794 and its lasting impact on the Navy today.

 


Navy-and-Marines
This infographic shares the history of the Navy and Marine Corps team.


America-Independence-Freedom (1).jpeg  
This infographic shares the history of U.S. Navy ships that have borne the name America, Independence and Freedom.


This infographic shares the history and heritage behind ship commissionings. (U.S. Navy graphic by Annalisa Underwood/Released)
This infographic shares the history and heritage behind ship commissionings.


Photo #: KN-10855 Battle between Continental Ship Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis, 23 September 1779
Battle between Continental Navy ship Bonhomme Richard and HMS Serapis, 23 September 1779 (KN-10855).


Continental Navy Warrant, 1775
Facsimile of Continental Navy warrant from 1775 appointing John Berriman as boatswain of Continental brig Andrew Doria, issued by the Continental Naval Committee, 23 December 1775 (NH 92791).


Birth of the Navy, 13 October 1775
Birthday of the Navy, 13 October 1775. Page of the "Journal of the Continental Congress" containing the main part of the resolve authorizing a Continental Naval Force, 13 October 1775 (NH 83600).


Photo #: NH 85796 "An Act to provide a naval armament"
"n Act to Povide a Naval Armament."Printed copy of the act adopted by the Third Congress of the United States, approved on 27 March 1794 (NH 85796).


Photo #: USN 1120070 Statue of Commodore Esek Hopkins
Esek Hopkins memorial, located at Branch Avenue and Charles Street, Providence, Rhode Island (USN 1120070).


Builder's Draught: USS RANDOLPH (1776-1778)
Wharton and Humphries draft of the U.S. frigate Randolph, built at Philadelphia in 1776. This is the only surviving builders plan of a Continental Navy frigate (NH 65618).

Published: Tue Dec 20 13:43:28 EST 2022