Launching the New U.S. Navy

Background

On May 18, 1798, President John Adams nominated Benjamin Stoddert as the first Secretary of the Navy to lead the newly created executive department. Stoddert was a merchant from Maryland who had served as secretary to the Continental Board of War during the American Revolution. He was committed to the establishment of a strong Navy and served as Secretary from June 1798 until March 1801.

National Archives and
Records Administration
Center for Legislative Archives
Records of the U.S. Senate
Record Group 46