ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE U.S. NAVY

The U.S. Navy celebrates its birthday every October 13 in honor of the founding of the Continental Navy.

THE FOUNDING OF THE U.S. NAVY

The U.S. Navy succeeded the Continental Navy, which was established during the American Revolution to protect the United States’ maritime interests through the early years following the war.

APRIL 19, 1775: SKIRMISHES AT LEXINGTON AND CONCORD SPARK THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Many factors are believed to have contributed to the start of the American War for Independence from Great Britain. However, most historians suggest that excessive taxation of the American Colonies as well as the growing presence of British troops without representation in British Parliament are among the most notable.

In response, American rebels began stockpiling weapons throughout the colonies. When Great Britain learned of a weapons cache hidden at Concord, Massachusetts, troops were dispatched to root it out. American militiamen confronted the marching British force at both Lexington and Concord, sparking the first battles of the revolution.

OCTOBER 13, 1775: THE SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS ESTABLISHES THE CONTINENTAL NAVY

Hoping to confront the British on additional fronts, the Second Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy on Oct. 13, 1775. Throughout the course of the war, the force would be used to disrupt British merchant shipping lanes and harass the British fleet while it crossed the Atlantic. However, most historians suggest the Continental Navy’s prowess was at best middling, and at worst inconsequential.

This would change in future conflicts.

LEGACY OF THE CONTINENTAL NAVY & U.S. NAVY

To confront the growing threat of piracy and foreign navies, the Naval Act of 1774 established a standing naval force staffed by veterans of the revolution. While the Continental Navy was viewed by the world powers of the day as a fledgling force barely able to secure American shipping lanes and forts, its successor now stands globally as the most dominant maritime power.

Through two World Wars, the Cold War, and the many conflicts of the Post-Cold War era, the U.S. Navy played a vital role. Today, the Navy looks ahead to challenges presented by peer nations.

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