Benjamin Stoddert was the first United States Secretary of the Navy from 1 May 1798 to 31 March 1801.
10 Facts About Benjamin Stoddert
2.
Benjamin Stoddert was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and then worked as a merchant.
3.
Benjamin Stoddert served as a captain in the Pennsylvania cavalry and later as secretary to the Continental Board of War during the American Revolutionary War.
4.
Benjamin Stoddert was severely injured in the Battle of Brandywine and was released from active military service.
5.
In 1783, Benjamin Stoddert established a tobacco export business in Georgetown, with business partners Uriah Forrest and John Murdock.
6.
Benjamin Stoddert realized that the infant US Navy possessed too few warships to protect a far-flung merchant marine by using convoys or patrolling the North American coast.
7.
Benjamin Stoddert established the first six navy yards and advocated building twelve 74 gun ships of the line.
8.
Benjamin Stoddert established the Navy Department Library due to instructions received from President Adams in a letter dated 31 March 1800.
9.
Benjamin Stoddert left office in March 1801 to return to commercial life.
10.
Benjamin Stoddert died on 13 December 1813 and is buried in the graveyard at Addison Chapel, Seat Pleasant, Maryland.