Civil War Hero and America's First Admiral

Civil War Hero and America's First Admiral. History of the Farragut Area. David Glasgow Farragut (July, 5 1801-August 14, 1870), a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War, became the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral of the United States Navy. He is remembered in popular culture for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually paraphrased, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!", The birthplace of Farragut is located off Northshore Drive in Knoxville, less than five miles from this site. In the 1790s, Farragut's father, George, owned this land and operated a ferry at Stoney Point (later known as Lowe's Ferry). Farragut lived in this area until 1807 when his family moved to, New Orleans., This marker, which was originally located at the birth site, was commissioned and donated by the Bonny Kate Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The monument was unveiled on May 15, 1900, by Admiral George Dewey. Dewey, who served with Farragut during the Civil War and admired him greatly, became a hero of the Spanish American War. Made of pink Tennessee marble, taken from the hills nearby, the three-foot-high stone is said to have been veiled by a flag flown on Farragut's flagship, the USS Hartford., Report of the dedication claim that the exercises were held in the presence of large audience standing beneath an ancient elm, under whose branches Farragut must have played when he was a child. The address was delivered by Judge Temple, Tennessee's famous lawyer, author, and historian. In concluding his eloquent remarks, he presented a fine miniature of Farragut to Dewey., The home where Farragut was born disappeared long ago and only archeological evidence is believed to remain, but the site, now privately owned, is likely one of Knox County's most nationally significant places. A Civil War Trails Maker can be viewed at Admiral Farragut Park directly across the inlet from Farragut's birth site. Admiral Farragut Park is located at 9950 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922., The monument reads: , Admiral Farragut was born here July 5, 1801 , Erected by Bonny Kate Chapter, D.A.R., , Knoxville, Tennessee , Dedicated by Admiral Dewey , May 15, 1900. , (sidebar) , Admiral George Dewey: December 26, 1837 - January 16, 1917.(caption) This picture was taken at the moment when the miniature was opened for inspection and Admiral Dewey exclaimed with delight, "That's Farragut!"