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1871 Midshipmen color competition, the Color Parade, and the "Color Girl" ceremony are initiated. September, 1872 First black midshipman, James Conyers, reports. He will resign November 1873. October 9, 1873 U. S. Naval Institute is founded in the Lyceum for "the advancement of professional, literary, and scientific knowledge in the Navy." 1874 First course in mechanical engineering offered in the United States is established. September 22, 1874 Rear Admiral Christopher R. P. Rodgers becomes superintendent. 1878 Albert A. Michelson (USNA 1873) first accurately measures the speed of light with $10 worth of apparatus along the seawall. July 1, 1878 Commodore Foxhall A. Parker becomes superintendent. His brother, William H. Parker, had been superintendent of the Confederate Naval Academy during the Civil War. October, 1878 The Naval Academy is awarded a gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition for the best system of education in the United States. August 2, 1878 Rear Admiral George B. Balch becomes superintendent. The previous superintendent, Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, had died during June Week. December 11, 1878 The first Naval Academy football game results in Naval Academy~ 0, Baltimore Athletic Club~ 0. |
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