Lesson Resources
The New U.S. Navy
- Annual Address by George Washington
December 3, 1793 - Senate Draft of an "Act to provide a
Naval Armament"
March 18, 1794 - George Washington's Message to the U.S. Senate
June 3, 1794 - A Bill to Establish the Department of the
Navy
April 11, 1798 - John Adams's Message to the U.S. Senate
May 18, 1798
Teaching With Documents:
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.
Click to Enlarge
National Archives and
Records Administration
Center for Legislative Archives
Records of the U.S. Senate
Record Group 46
