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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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