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1860
Rev. William Whiting, a clergyman of the
Church of England, composed the "Navy Hymn" (Eternal Father,
strong to save) after passing safely through a violent gale on the
Mediterranean Sea. Music was written by John Bacchus Dykes of England.
First foreign national to attend the Naval Academy, the Frenchman
Pierre d'Orleans, Duc de Penthievre.
Stars above anchors on collars first designate midshipmen for academic
achievement.
June, 1860
Herndon Monument is erected. It commemorates
Commander William Lewis Herndon, who went down with the mail steamer
Central America in a storm off South Carolina in 1857. After making
every possible effort to save the ship, Herndon left the quarterdeck
long enough to don his full dress uniform, in which he returned to
his post to meet a seaman's death.
November, 1860
Tripoli Monument is moved to the Naval Academy from Washington.
1861
Midshipmen Choir is established.
April 12, 1861
Civil War Begins.
April 21, 1861
Troops of the U. S. Army under General Benjamin F. Butler land at
the Naval Academy.
April 25, 1861
Frigate USS Constitution carries Academy
Midshipmen to Newport, R. I.
May 13, 1861
Classes reconvene in Newport.
October, 1862
USS Santee arrives at Newport, Rhode Island,
following refit at the Boston Navy Yard, to serve as a school ship
for the Naval Academy. She will continue to serve the Academy until
1912.
May, 1863
Schooner-yacht America is assigned to the
Naval Academy.
1865
By Civil War's end 400 graduates served
in the Union Navy, 95 in the Confederate Navy; 23 graduates were killed
in battle or died of wounds.
August 9, 1865
The Naval Academy returns to Annapolis after
4 years in Newport.
August 31, 1865
U. S. Marine Detachment is assigned to the
Naval Academy.
The Department of Steam Enginery is established under Chief Engineer
W. W. Wood.
September 9, 1865
Rear Admiral David D. Porter becomes superintendent
and commences the huge job of restoring the Naval Academy. Among many
innovations, he will begin the incorporation of athletics and social
functions into their proper place at the Academy. A newspaper wag
of the day terms the Academy "Porter's Dancing Academy."
1866
Graduation exercises in chapel are followed
by baseball match between 1st and 2nd classes.
Original Maryland Governor's Mansion is purchased for $25,000 and
converted into library and offices.
June, 1867
June Week festivities and ceremonies organized.
Boat clubs for 1st and 2nd classes introduce crew races.
1868
Strawberry Hill, 67 acres across College
Creek, is purchased.
Figurehead of USS Delaware, later to be known as "Tecumseh,"
arrives from Norfolk.
New red brick, Victorian Gothic, chapel is completed.
Second chapel is dedicated by Chaplain George W. Smith.
1869
An additional 46 acres across College Creek
are purchased.
Naval Academy class rings are adopted as a new tradition.
Navy crew meets Quaker City Boat Club in first outside sports competition.
New Quarters dormitory is completed.
Natural Philosophy (Science) building is completed.
The midshipmen battalion, commanded by a cadet lieutenant commander,
is organized into four companies, each commanded by a cadet lieutenant.
December 1, 1869
Commodore John L. Worden becomes superintendent.
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