United States Navy

The United States Navy was established October 13, 1775 by the Contiental Congress when it authorized the dispatch of two armed vessels ordered to search for munitions ships supplying the British Army. During the Revolutionary War Contiental Navy maintained near 50 ships with 20 active at its maximum strength. After the war Congress sold the ships and released the seaman and officers. In 1789, the Constitution empowered congress "to provide and maintain a navy." In 1794, Congress ordered the construction six frigates which were admistered by the War departments until Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798. The birthplace of the Navy can be attributed to several cities playing significant roles in the development of the of the first American Fleet. Philadelphia was home to the Contiental Congress and subsequently the Contiental Navy; it was the first port from which the intial fleet of four vessels set out to sea. Other cities claim the title of "birthplace of the Navy" such as: Machias Maine, Providence Rhode Island, Beverly and Marblehead Massachusetts, and even Whitehall New York. Althought, the United States Navy does not officially recognized any of these cities as it's birthplace the Navy does trace it's roots to the Contiental Navy. For more stories of the U.S. Navy visited the Navy Historical Center website.