Didn’t Admiral David Farragut give his famous command right here? “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead.” That’s what they say about the Battle of Mobile Bay. Welcome to the Admiral David Farragut statue in Marine Park. It is a tribute to a true American hero.
Admiral David Farragut was born James Glasgow Farragut in 1801. His father, George Farragut, was a Spanish immigrant from Menorca. George fought in the Revolutionary War. David’s mother was Elizabeth Shine of Scotch-Irish descent.
Young David Farragut joined the U.S. Navy at the tender age of nine. At age 11, he served in the War of 1812. He was a prize master by then. David served under his foster father, David Porter.
Farragut grew up in a naval family. His foster brothers also achieved naval ranks. David Dixon Porter became a Civil War admiral. William D. Porter became a Commodore.
In 1812, young Farragut adopted the name David. He honored his foster father by doing so. His naval career spanned 60 years. He died at the age of 69.
The Admiral David Farragut statue that you see here in Boston portrays him standing proudly. He is on the bridge of his ship. The wind tugs at his uniform coat. This bronze statue was sculpted by Henry Hudson Kitson. It was cast in 1891.
Admiral David Farragut is most remembered for his service in the Civil War. He was the first rear admiral vice admiral and admiral in the U.S. Navy. He opposed Southern secession. He remained loyal to the Union.
He commanded the Gulf Blockading Squadron. He captured New Orleans in 1862. This was a decisive event in the war.
Later he led a successful attack on Mobile Bay. This secured the last major Confederate port on the Gulf of Mexico.
His words “Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead” became famous. He said this at the Battle of Mobile Bay. At the time, torpedoes meant underwater mines.
After the Civil War, Farragut continued his naval service. He commanded the European Squadron.
He was a Freemason and a Scottish Rite freemason.
Admiral David Farragut died in 1870. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. His gravesite is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Admiral David Farragut statue in Boston reminds us of his bravery. It also reminds us of his dedication to the Union. Other cities have also erected statues in his honor. He is a true American hero. The statue is a fitting tribute to his legacy. It stands as a reminder of his service to the nation.