National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; transfer from the National Museum of American History; gift of the Estate of Loyall Farragut to the United States National
Museum, 1917David Farragut
American navy commander
David Farragut Rank
About David Farragut
David Farragut set a record as the first navy officer to attain the ranks of rear admiral, vice admiral and admiral of the United States Navy. Having joined the U.S. Navy as a boy seaman at the age of eight, he became a midshipman by 9 years old (in December 1810) and went on to serve in the War of 1812 two years later. He is remembered best for his command in the American Civil War’s Battle of Mobile Bay, in which he gave the now-famous order, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”.
Family Life
He was the son of George Farragut, a Spanish merchant-turned-American Revolutionary War navy officer and Elizabeth Shine. After the latter died, he was taken in by US Navy officer David Porter, who became his foster father. He was married twice and had one surviving son, Loyall.
Death
He died on August 14, 1870 from a heart attack.
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F.A.Q. about David Farragut
When is his birthday?
David Farragut's birthday is on July 5, 1801.
In how many days is his birthday?
David's birthday is in 116 days
How old was David when he died?
He was 69 years old.
When did he die?
He died in August 14, 1870.
How old would he be today?
David Farragut would be 223 years old if he was alive today.
Where was David from?
He was born in Campbell's Station, Tennessee, U.S..