As the United States Naval Academy’s 180th birthday approaches on October 10th, there’s no better time to reflect on the proud and storied history of this excellent Service Academy. Nestled on the banks of the Severn River in Annapolis, the USNA has trained generations of midshipmen who go on to lead in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. From its humble beginnings in 1845 to its status today as one of the top public colleges in the nation, the Naval Academy is more than just a school; it’s a national treasure.
The history of the United States Navy dates back to the American Revolution, but the Naval Academy as we know it today was born out of a need for formal training. In 1845, after a tragic mutiny aboard USS Somers underscored the dangers of learning solely at sea, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft proposed a new solution: a dedicated naval school. He chose "the healthy and secluded" town of Annapolis as the location - far from the distractions of major cities - to allow midshipmen to focus on their development.
On October 10, 1845, the Naval School opened its doors at Fort Severn (a former U.S. Army base) with 50 midshipmen and seven faculty members. Just five years later in 1850, it was renamed the United States Naval Academy and a four-year curriculum with on-ship training was established. Thus began a journey of growth and excellence that continues to this day.
Related: How the Academy Got Its Start
As the nation evolved, so did the Academy. When the Naval Academy was founded, the technology was very different. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. Navy transformed from a fleet of wooden sailing ships to steel-clad steamships, and eventually to nuclear-powered vessels and supersonic aircraft. The Academy had to keep pace, expanding its curriculum and facilities to train officers for an increasingly complex and innovative Navy.
Congress authorized the Naval Academy to award Bachelor of Science degrees in 1933, later revamping its educational model to include a core curriculum plus 26 major fields of study, along with a variety of electives and advanced study and research opportunities. Today, the Academy combines rigorous academics with hands-on military training, summer cruises, and character development rooted in the Navy’s core values: honor, commitment, and courage.
One of the most significant milestones in the history of the United States Naval Academy came in 1976, when women were first admitted as midshipmen. The year prior, Congress had authorized the admission of women to all service academies. Today, women make up approximately 30 percent of the entering class and pursue the same challenging academic and professional training as their male counterparts. The Naval Academy strives to produce leaders who are resilient, adaptable, and ready to serve a changing world.
From its original 10-acre footprint and modest wooden buildings, the Academy has grown into a sprawling 338-acre campus of stately granite structures, cutting-edge labs, and world-class athletic facilities. Over 4,400 midshipmen (known collectively as the Brigade of Midshipmen) call the Academy home, living, studying, and training together at Bancroft Hall, the largest dormitory in the country.
Today, the Naval Academy ranking is first among top public colleges, thanks to its unparalleled combination of academic rigor, military discipline, and leadership development. Whether it's studying advanced engineering, training in seamanship, or competing on the sports field, every midshipman is preparing to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps.
Related: 13 Things You Didn’t Know About USNA History
The history of the Naval Academy isn’t just written in textbooks - it’s alive every day on the Yard. And you can be a part of it.
Every time you take a Naval Academy tour, shop for USNA souvenirs at the Gift Shop or Navyonline.com, or dine in one of our restaurants, you’re supporting the Brigade. Proceeds from these services go directly to midshipmen programs, including the arts, music, theater, club sports, and more. It’s a simple but powerful way to say thank you to those who dedicate themselves to service.
So this October, as we celebrate the Navy’s 180th birthday and remember the traditions that built a strong and resilient force, come visit the Naval Academy and take a walk through history. The Academy’s story is one of perseverance, honor, and excellence - and it’s being written every day.