Sources of Service

What’s a whaleboat – and why does it matter to my Revolutionary War ancestors?

Used in whaling, a whale boat was a small vessel of about 30 ft with a crew of 6. The New Bedford Whaling Museum has an excellent description. During the American Revolution, they were used not for whaling but for raiding. The best know examples occurred between Connecticut and Long Island. Sometimes called the WhaleboatContinueContinue reading “What’s a whaleboat – and why does it matter to my Revolutionary War ancestors?”

Militia or Continental Line?

Land was the biggest driver behind your (non-officer) ancestor’s decision to serve in the militia versus on the Continental Line. In the colonies, land ownership was heavily tied to agriculture. Farming requires oversight, especially New England’s smaller farms. A farm owner would have wanted to onsite as much as possible. Militia service demanded – atContinueContinue reading “Militia or Continental Line?”

The Continental Navy: a timeline

Important Dates in the History of the Navy 26 Aug 1775: Creation of the Rhode Island State Navy. 5 Sep 1775: Commissioning of the Hanna, officially under the control of the Army. 13 Oct 1775: The Continental Congress authorized the outfitting of two ships, for “intercepting vessels coming out with stores and ammunition.” This dateContinueContinue reading “The Continental Navy: a timeline”

Ships of the Continental Navy

Did an ancestor serve in the Continental Navy? This is a partial list of the known Navy ships: Alfred Columbus Andrew Doria Cabot Providence (built in RI) Hornet Wasp Fly Hancock (built in MA) Boston (built in MA) Warren (built in RI) Trumbull (built in CT, spent two years trapped on the sandbar in theContinueContinue reading “Ships of the Continental Navy”

Resources on the Continental Navy

Do you have ancestors who served in Continental Navy? These books can help you learn more about their experience: References: John Lehman, On Seas of Glory: Heroic Men, Great Ships, and Epic Battles of the American Navy (New York: The Free Press, 2001), 14, 32-33. Craig L. Symonds, The U.S. Navy: A Concise History (NewContinueContinue reading “Resources on the Continental Navy”