George Dewey

Lore & Background

Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont. At age 15, Dewey's father enrolled him at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Two years later Norwich expelled him for drunkenness and herding sheep into the barracks. Subsequently, he entered the United States Naval Academy in 1854. He graduated from the academy in 1858 and was assigned as the executive lieutenant of USS Mississippi at the beginning of the Civil War. He participated in the capture of New Orleans and the Siege of Port Hudson, helping the Union take control of the Mississippi River. By the end of the war, Dewey reached the rank of lieutenant commander. After the Civil War, Dewey undertook a variety of assignments, serving on multiple ships (including USS Constitution) and as an instructor at the Naval Academy. He also served on the United States Lighthouse Board and the Board of Inspection and Survey. He was promoted to commodore in 1896 and assigned to the Asiatic Squadron the following year. After that appointment, he began preparations for a potential war with Spain, which broke out in April 1898. Immediately after the beginning of the war, Dewey led an attack on Manila Bay, sinking or capturing the entire Spanish Pacific fleet while suffering only minor casualties. After the battle, his fleet assisted in the capture of Manila. Dewey's victory at Manila Bay was widely lauded in the United States, and he was promoted to Admiral of the Navy in 1903. Dewey explored a run for the 1900 Democratic presidential nomination, but he withdrew from the race and endorsed President William McKinley. He served on the General Board of the United States Navy, an important policy-making body, from 1900 until his death in 1917.

Reader's Guide

George Dewey was a U.S. naval officer who rose to the rank of Admiral of the Navy. His early career included expulsion from Norwich University, then graduation from the Naval Academy. He served with distinction in the Civil War, notably at New Orleans and Port Hudson. After the war, he held various posts and was promoted to commodore in 1896. His command of the Asiatic Squadron led to the decisive victory at Manila Bay in 1898, for which he was later promoted to Admiral of the Navy in 1903. He briefly explored a run for the 1900 Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew and endorsed William McKinley. He served on the General Board of the Navy until his death.

Did You Know?

• Dewey was the only person in U.S. history to hold the rank of Admiral of the Navy.
• He was expelled from Norwich University for drunkenness and herding sheep into the barracks.
• Dewey's victory at Manila Bay occurred without a single combat death among his forces.
• He served on the General Board of the United States Navy from 1900 until his death in 1917.