Heroes and Villains from American History: The Biography of David Dixon Porter

David Dixon Porter was an American naval officer who served during the Civil War. He was a skilled commander and strategist, and he played a key role in the Union victory.

Yankee Admiral: A Biography of David Dixon Porter (Heroes and Villains from American History)

by Noel B. Gerson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1715 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Porter was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, on June 8, 1813. His father, David Porter, was a naval officer who served in the War of 1812. Porter's mother, Evelina Anderson Porter, was the daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia merchant. Porter had two older brothers, John and William, and a younger sister, Mary.

Porter received his early education at a private school in Chester. He then attended the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1834. Porter's first assignment was on the frigate USS Constitution. He served on the Constitution for three years, and he participated in several cruises in the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1838, Porter was assigned to the sloop USS Cyane. He served on the Cyane for two years, and he participated in the capture of several Mexican ships during the Mexican-American War.

In 1841, Porter was promoted to lieutenant. He was then assigned to the frigate USS Congress. He served on the Congress for three years, and he participated in several cruises in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1846, Porter was promoted to commander. He was then assigned to the sloop USS Falmouth. He served on the Falmouth for two years, and he participated in the capture of several Confederate ships during the Civil War.

In 1862, Porter was promoted to captain. He was then assigned to the ironclad USS Monitor. He served on the Monitor for two years, and he participated in the Battle of Hampton Roads. The Battle of Hampton Roads was a major naval battle that took place on March 8-9, 1862. The battle was fought between the Union ironclad USS Monitor and the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia. The battle was a draw, but it marked a turning point in the Civil War. It was the first time that two ironclad ships had fought each other, and it showed that ironclads were the future of naval warfare.

In 1864, Porter was promoted to rear admiral. He was then assigned to command the Mississippi Squadron. He served on the Mississippi Squadron for two years, and he participated in the capture of several Confederate forts and cities. The capture of Vicksburg was a major victory for the Union, and it helped to turn the tide of the Civil War in favor of the Union.

In 1866, Porter was promoted to vice admiral. He was then assigned to command the North Atlantic Squadron. He served on the North Atlantic Squadron for two years, and he participated in the capture of several Confederate ships. The capture of the CSS Alabama was a major victory for the Union, and it helped to end the Civil War.

After the Civil War, Porter continued to serve in the Navy. He was promoted to admiral in 1870, and he retired from the Navy in 1882. He died in Washington, D.C., on February 13, 1891.

Legacy

David Dixon Porter was a skilled naval officer who made a significant contribution to American history. He was a key figure in the Union victory in the Civil War, and he helped to end the war by capturing the CSS Alabama. Porter was also a controversial figure, and he was often accused of being too harsh and demanding. Despite his flaws, Porter was a gifted naval officer who made a significant contribution to American history.

Porter's legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as a hero, while others view him as a villain. However, there is no doubt that Porter was a complex and fascinating figure who played a major role in American history.

Yankee Admiral: A Biography of David Dixon Porter (Heroes and Villains from American History)

by Noel B. Gerson

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1715 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	196 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE