150 Years Ago: October 31, 1863: CSN Classes Begin-- Part 1

OCTOBER 31ST

During October instruction began for 52 Confederate midshipmen on their "floating academy" located aboard the CSS Patrick Henry at Drewry's Bluff on the James River, near Richmond, Virginia. Lt. W.H. Parker, CSN, was superintendent.

The initial move for a Naval Academy began in December 1861 when the Confederate Congress passed a bill calling for "some form of education" for midshipmen. In the spring of 1862, more legislation called for the appointment of 106 acting midshipmen.

In May 1862, the Patrick Henry was designated as the Academy ship and alterations made to ready her for this new role.

--Old B-Runner