In the shadow of revolution and the looming threat of British naval dominance, the Continental Congress took a decisive step on October 13, 1775, one that would echo through centuries of maritime history. On that day, the Congress passed a resolution authorizing the outfitting of two armed vessels to intercept British supply ships. This act marked the birth of the Continental Navy, the precursor to what would become the United States Navy.
The Strategic Context: A Nation Without a Fleet
At the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in April 1775, the colonies were woefully unprepared for naval warfare. The British Royal Navy was the most powerful maritime force in the world, and the American colonies had no unified naval presence. While some individual colonies had outfitted small fleets for local defense or privateering, there was no centralized naval strategy.
The need for a naval force became urgent as intelligence reached Congress that British ships were transporting war supplies to their troops stationed in North America. Without a navy, the colonies had no means to intercept these shipments or protect their own maritime commerce.
The Resolution of October 13, 1775
On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the following resolution:
“Resolved, That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all possible despatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander be instructed to cruise eastward, for intercepting such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies…”
This resolution authorized the acquisition and outfitting of two armed vessels. It also established a committee to oversee the process, including estimating expenses and contracting personnel. Though modest in scope, the resolution was revolutionary. It marked the first time the Continental Congress had formally directed the creation of a naval force.
The Naval Committee and Early Leadership
Following the resolution, Congress established the Naval Committee, comprising influential figures such as John Adams, Silas Deane, and Robert Morris. These men were tasked with implementing the resolution and laying the groundwork for a functioning navy.
In November 1775, Congress formally organized the Continental Navy and appointed Esek Hopkins as its first Commander-in-Chief. Hopkins was a seasoned mariner from Rhode Island, and under his leadership, the Navy began assembling its first fleet.
Congress also commissioned several captains, including Dudley Saltonstall, Abraham Whipple, Nicholas Biddle, and John Burroughs Hopkins. Among the lieutenants was a young officer named John Paul Jones, who would later become one of the most celebrated naval commanders in American history.
The First Fleet: A Symbol of Defiance
The initial fleet consisted of eight vessels, including the frigates Alfred and Columbus, the brigs Andrew Doria and Cabot, and the schooners Hornet, Wasp, and Fly. These ships were modest in size and firepower compared to British warships, but they represented a bold assertion of American resistance.
Hopkins’s first mission was to assess the feasibility of attacking British forces in the Chesapeake Bay. Finding the odds unfavorable, he instead led the fleet to the Bahamas, where they successfully raided the British port of Nassau and captured valuable military supplies. Though controversial, the raid demonstrated the potential of the fledgling navy to strike beyond American shores.
The Role of the Continental Navy in the Revolution
Throughout the Revolutionary War, the Continental Navy played a critical, if limited, role. Its primary missions included:
- Interception of British supply ships
- Protection of American merchant vessels
- Raiding British commerce
- Supporting land operations through coastal engagements
The Navy never matched the Royal Navy in size or strength, and many of its ships were lost to battle, capture, or weather. However, it succeeded in disrupting British logistics and boosting American morale. Naval officers gained valuable experience that would shape future U.S. naval doctrine.
Legacy and Disbandment
The Continental Navy was officially disbanded in 1785, two years after the Treaty of Paris ended the war. The financial strain of maintaining a navy, combined with political debates over federal power, led Congress to dissolve the force.
Yet the legacy of the Continental Navy endured. On March 27, 1794, Congress passed the Naval Act, establishing the United States Navy. Many traditions, ranks, and operational principles from the Continental Navy were carried forward into this new institution.
Why October 13 Matters
Now, October 13 is celebrated as the birthday of the United States Navy. The resolution passed on that date in 1775 was more than a logistical directive. It was a declaration of maritime independence. It signaled that the colonies would not only fight on land but also challenge British supremacy at sea.
The founding of the Navy reflected the strategic foresight of leaders like John Adams, who understood that control of the seas was essential to securing American liberty. It also showcased the ingenuity and courage of early naval officers who operated under extreme constraints.
Final Thoughts
The Continental Congress’s resolution of October 13, 1775, may have authorized just two ships, but it launched a tradition of naval service that continues to this day. From the humble beginnings of the Continental Navy emerged a sea power that would grow to become one of the most formidable in the world.
In commemorating this date, we honor not only the ships and sailors of the Revolutionary era but also the enduring spirit of innovation, resilience, and patriotism that defines the United States Navy.
This article is part of our series honoring the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday—see the other stories in the series for more history and insights.
