David Farragut

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Born: July 5, 1801 · Campbell's Station, Tennessee

Died: August 14, 1870 · Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Height: 5'6"

Weight: ~140 lbs

Education: No formal naval academy; became a midshipman at age 9 under Commodore David Porter; learned at sea

Pre-war: U.S. Navy officer for 51 years; served in the War of 1812 at age 12

"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

Biography

America's first Admiral and the Union's greatest naval commander. Farragut's capture of New Orleans in 1862 opened the lower Mississippi, and his audacious assault on Mobile Bay in 1864 — steaming past Confederate mines under fire — cemented his legend. The Union's naval blockade of the South was crucial to its victory.

Did you know?

Went to sea as a midshipman at age 9 and served in his first naval battle at age 12 during the War of 1812. He was the first person to hold the rank of Vice Admiral, Admiral, and then Admiral of the Navy in U.S. history.

Life Journey

Timeline

July 5, 1801

🌅 Birth

Born near Campbell's Station, Tennessee

April 25, 1862

⚔️ Battle

Captures New Orleans — opens the Mississippi

August 5, 1864

⚔️ Battle

Battle of Mobile Bay — 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!'

August 14, 1870

✝️ Death

Dies in Portsmouth, New Hampshire