Benjamin Stoddert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Stoddert
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| 1st United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office June 18, 1798 – March 31, 1801 |
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| President | John Adams |
| Preceded by | Robert Morris (Agent of Marine) |
| Succeeded by | Robert Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1751 Charles County, Maryland, British America |
| Died | December 18, 1813 (aged 68–69) Bladensburg, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Federalist |
| Spouse | Rebecca Lowndes |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania |
Benjamin Stoddert (1751 – December 18, 1813) was a very important person in early American history. He served as the first ever United States Secretary of the Navy, leading the country's navy from May 1, 1798, to March 31, 1801.
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Early Life and Education
Benjamin Stoddert was born in Charles County, Maryland in 1751. His father was Captain Thomas Stoddert. Benjamin went to the University of Pennsylvania for his education. After finishing school, he worked as a merchant.
During the American Revolutionary War, Stoddert joined the fight. He was a captain in the Pennsylvania cavalry. Later, he became a secretary for the Continental Board of War. This group helped manage the war effort. Stoddert was badly hurt in the Battle of Brandywine. Because of his injuries, he had to leave active military service.
In 1781, he married Rebecca Lowndes. Her father, Christopher Lowndes, was also a merchant in Maryland. Benjamin and Rebecca had eight children together. They lived at Bostwick, his father-in-law's home in Bladensburg, Maryland.
Benjamin Stoddert's Career
In 1783, Stoddert started a business in Georgetown. He exported tobacco with his partners, Uriah Forrest and John Murdock.
When George Washington became the first President, he asked Stoddert for help. Washington wanted Stoddert to buy land for the new nation's capital. This was before the official decision to build the capital along the Potomac River. Stoddert bought the land, which helped keep prices low. He then gave the land to the government. In the 1790s, he also helped create the Bank of Columbia. This bank managed land purchases for the federal government in the District of Columbia.
In May 1798, President John Adams chose Benjamin Stoddert for a big job. Stoddert was a loyal member of the Federalist Party. He was asked to lead the brand-new United States Department of the Navy.
As the first United States Secretary of the Navy, Stoddert quickly faced a challenge. The U.S. was in an undeclared naval war with France. This conflict was known as the Quasi-War. Stoddert realized the young U.S. Navy had too few ships. They could not protect American merchant ships everywhere.
Instead, he decided the best plan was to attack French ships in the Caribbean. Most French warships were based there. So, the Navy decided to go directly to where the enemy was strong. Stoddert's smart planning and his officers' bravery led to American successes. Under his leadership, the U.S. Navy did well. It stopped French ships from harming American trade.
Stoddert also focused on the Navy's future. He set up the first six navy yards. He also pushed for building twelve large ships of the line with 74 guns. Congress approved building these ships in 1799. A design was made by Joshua Humphrey. He had also designed the first 44-gun frigates.
After the peace agreement with France, the U.S. Navy became smaller. The number of active ships and sailors was reduced. The Jefferson Administration cut the Navy to only three frigates. They also sold off supplies or used them for gunboats. This decision left the United States unprepared for future threats. These included the Barbary pirates and the War of 1812 with England.
Stoddert also started the Navy Department Library. President Adams asked him to do this in a letter dated March 31, 1800.
Benjamin Stoddert left his Navy job in March 1801. He went back to working in business. However, his later years were difficult. Stoddert lost a lot of money in land deals. Also, Georgetown, where he lived, became less important for trade. The Embargo Act and the War of 1812 also stopped American overseas trade. During this time, he lived at Halcyon House in Georgetown.
Stoddert passed away on December 13, 1813. He is buried in the graveyard at Addison Chapel in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.
Places Named After Benjamin Stoddert
Many things have been named to honor Benjamin Stoddert:
- Two Navy ships:
- USS Stoddert (DD-302), which served from 1920 to 1935.
- USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22), which served from 1964 to 1991.
- Fort Stoddert in the Mississippi Territory (now in Alabama).
- Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf, Maryland.
- Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Temple Hills (Marlow Heights), Maryland.
- Benjamin Stoddert Elementary School in Washington D.C..
In the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., there was once a street named Stoddert Street. It was named after Benjamin Stoddert. However, in 1895, during the Georgetown street renaming, its name was changed to Q Street NW. Today, an apartment building at 2900 Q Street NW is still called The Stoddert.
There is also a residential street named after him in Landover, Maryland.
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Benjamin Stoddert, the first Secretary of the Navy.
