American Revolution Naval Forces

The naval force established by the Continental Congress to fight in the American Revolution.

Colonial ships converted into armed vessels to attack British shipping during the American Revolution.

A notable Continental Navy captain known for his victories against British warships during the American Revolution.

A significant naval battle of the American Revolution, where John Paul Jones' Bonhomme Richard fought and defeated the British frigate Serapis.

Early successes included capturing British vessels, guns, and ammunition from the Bahamas, showcasing the ability to fight on water and land.

The naval force of the original 13 colonies was modest compared to the British strength, with the colonists having less training and discipline.

The importance of naval power was recognized early due to both merchant ships and past wars.

The attack on the Bahamas by Esek Hopkins' fleet, involving Marines and sailors, was the first such assault for the U.S. forces.

A collection of over 16,000 pages of authentic documents, such as diaries, letters, and ship logs, offering various perspectives on naval history.

The collection includes viewpoints from Americans, British, French, and Spanish, as well as common seamen, civilians, women, and slaves, alongside political leaders and military officers.

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) has published volumes of these naval documents since 1964, with each volume including a foreword from a U.S. president.

These volumes are edited by historians who curate and organize the diverse collection of historical documents. Notable editors include Dr. William J. Morgan, Dr. William Dudley, and Dr. Michael J. Crawford.

The most recent volume of the Naval History Documents, published in 2019, continues the legacy of preserving and sharing historical records.

Privately owned ships armed and authorized by the government to attack enemy ships during wartime.

Naval forces organized by individual American colonies during the Revolutionary War to fight against the British.

American naval actions significantly disrupted British trade, raised insurance rates, and threatened British coastal populations.

Benedict Arnold, despite losing, built a fleet of small vessels to challenge the British, delaying their advance.

The entry of France, Spain, and later the Netherlands into the war shifted the naval focus from America to Europe.

The British faced difficulties in blockading American ports, then further stretched their resources due to European involvement.

The American navy captured over 1,500 British ships, captured over 12,000 British sailors, and significantly hampered British trade.

The American Revolution highlighted the importance of naval power in disrupting enemy trade and influencing the course of war.

France provided crucial naval support to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, contributing significantly to the Continental Army's victories.

A decisive naval battle in 1781 off the coast of Virginia, where the French fleet under Admiral de Grasse defeated the British fleet under Admiral Hood.

The final major battle of the American Revolution, where American and French forces besieged and captured the British army under General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.

Despite initial French and Spanish triumphs in the English Channel, the British maintained naval domination on the North American coast for most of 1779 and 1780, aiding their land campaigns in the South.

The Spanish attempted to seize Gibraltar from Britain in 1779, a strategic location controlling Mediterranean access.

In 1780, British Admiral Rodney moved his fleet from the West Indies to England, unintentionally allowing the French fleet to sail to the Caribbean.

The French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake Bay in 1781, providing crucial support to the Americans during the siege of Yorktown.

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, officially recognized the independence of the United States, establishing boundaries and ceding Florida to Spain.

The quote, "I have not yet begun to fight!" is attributed to John Paul Jones, a renowned captain in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution. He is said to have uttered these words while aboard the Bonhomme Richard, facing a larger British vessel in a fierce battle.

On November 25, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the Continental Navy. This decision marked a significant shift in the colonial strategy, recognizing the vital need for a naval force to challenge British control at sea.

The Continental Navy, established in 1775, operated throughout the American Revolution (1775-1783) and experienced significant challenges, including a lack of resources and trained personnel compared to the powerful British Navy. Nonetheless, its actions played a crucial role in the eventual colonial victory.

The Bonhomme Richard was a ship that played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Originally named the Duguay-Trouin, the French ship was given to the Continental Navy and renamed by John Paul Jones. In a famous battle, the Bonhomme Richard, under Jones' command, fought and sank the British warship Serapis.

The Continental Navy's primary purpose was to disrupt British naval power in the American Revolution. This included attacking British merchant ships, blockading ports, and assisting land-based campaigns. Their actions helped the colonists gain control of the seas and contribute to the eventual victory over Britain.