David Farragut

David Glasgow Farragut was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. He is remembered for his bold order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually shortened to "Damn the torpedoes ... full speed ahead."

Farragut was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and was raised by naval officer David Porter after his mother passed away. When he was just 11 years old, he served in the War of 1812 under his adoptive father. He received his first command when he was 22 and later took part in anti-piracy operations in the Caribbean Sea. He also served in the Mexican–American War under Matthew C. Perry.

Before the Civil War, Farragut lived in Norfolk, Virginia, but he was a Southern Unionist who stayed loyal to the Union. He commanded an attack on the important Confederate port city of New Orleans and captured New Orleans in April 1862. After the battle, he was promoted to rear admiral and helped extend Union control along the Mississippi River. He also led a successful attack on Mobile Bay, which was the last major Confederate port on the Gulf of Mexico. Farragut was promoted to admiral after the Civil War and stayed on active duty until he passed away in 1870.

Early life

James Glasgow Farragut was born in 1801 in Tennessee to George Farragut, a merchant captain from Menorca, and Elizabeth Shine, who came from a Scotch-Irish American family in North Carolina. George Farragut served in the American Revolutionary War and later moved the family to New Orleans.

After his mother passed away from yellow fever, young James was taken in by United States Navy officer David Porter. In 1812, James adopted the name "David" to honor his foster father. David grew up surrounded by naval officers, including his foster brothers David Dixon Porter and William D. Porter, who would both have important roles in the Civil War.

Career

Farragut started his naval career as a young boy, becoming a midshipman at just nine years old. He served for over 60 years, including important roles in several wars. He is most famous for his leadership during the American Civil War, where he led many successful naval battles.

Farragut began his service during the War of 1812, fighting on ships and helping to set up early American bases. Later, he commanded ships that fought pirates in the Caribbean Sea. During the Mexican–American War, he led a ship along the coast of Mexico. His biggest achievements came during the Civil War. He helped capture New Orleans and later won a major battle at Mobile Bay, leading his fleet past heavy defenses to a victory. For his bravery and leadership, he became the first rear admiral, then vice admiral, and finally admiral in the United States Navy.

Death

Farragut passed away from a heart attack at the age of 69 while on vacation in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in the late summer of 1870. He had dedicated almost sixty years to serving in the navy. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City. Both his gravesite and Woodlawn Cemetery are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Personal life

David Farragut married Susan Caroline Marchant in 1824 after his first voyage as a commander. Sadly, she passed away in 1840 after many years of poor health, and Farragut was known for being very kind to her during that time. He later married Virginia Dorcas Loyall in 1843, and they had a son named Loyall Farragut who was born in 1844.

Farragut was also a member of groups called the Freemasons and the Scottish Rite.

Timeline of service

David Farragut began his naval career as a young boy seaman in 1810. By age nine, he became a midshipman and served on several ships, including the USS Essex. Over the years, he took on many roles, from serving in the Mediterranean Sea to leading ships during the Mexican–American War. He was promoted through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1855. During the American Civil War, he commanded important naval forces, including at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1862, vice admiral in 1864, and finally to admiral in 1866. Farragut passed away in 1870 at the Portsmouth Navy Yard in Maine.

Legacy

Many places and things are named after Admiral David Farragut. For example, a town in Tennessee is called Farragut, Tennessee, and there is a square named Farragut Square in Washington, D.C., with a statue of him there. Schools, parks, and streets across the United States also carry his name.

Farragut has appeared on U.S. postage stamps and even on some old $100 bills. His image is remembered in monuments and buildings, showing how much he is honored for his service to the country.

In popular culture

David Farragut has appeared in many stories and shows. In the book Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, a character named "Commodore Farragut" is based on him. Actor Scott Brady played Farragut in the 1952 movie Yankee Buccaneer. Ronald Reagan also played him in a 1965 episode of the TV show Death Valley Days.

Farragut's name has been used in many other places too. There is a fort called Fort Farragut in a video game. In the Star Trek stories, several spaceships are named USS Farragut. In the TV show NCIS, a character named Timothy McGee has Farragut as his middle name.

Damn the torpedoes

Farragut's famous words have been used in many places. In the TV show M*A*S*H, a character plays a joke by saying the phrase backwards. An album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is called Damn the Torpedoes. Another album has a song with the same title. In the movie Galaxy Quest, a character uses a funny version of the phrase.