War of 1812, Part 19: The Origins of the United States Navy

The United States Navy that performed so well in the War of 1812 was first established by Congress on October 13, 1775. Naturally, the American fleet was not expected to compete on the high seas against the Royal Navy, the strongest in the world. While the initial squadron consisted of fewer than ten vessels, all of which were refitted merchantmen, the Royal Navy initially had over 250 warships, and that number doubled by the end of the Revolutionary War. Although outnumbered and under-equipped, there were numerous instances of American warships and fighting men performing well, including Benedict Arnold and his fleet at the Battle of Valcour Island and John Paul Jones, considered by many to be the Father of the U.S. Navy, at the Battle of Flamborough Head.