The Continental Navy was the navy of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolutionary War. Founded on October 13, 1775, the fleet developed into a relatively substantial force throughout the Revolutionary War, owing partially to the substantial efforts of the Continental Navy's patrons within the Continental Congress. These Congressional Patrons included the likes of John Adams, who served as the Chairman of the Naval Committee until 1776, when Commodore Esek Hopkins received instruction from the Continental Congress to assume command of the force.
John Adams took an active role in the formation of the navy and the drafting of suitable operational regulations. Painting by John Trumbull, c. 1792–93.
Continental ship Columbus with captured British brig Lord Lifford, 1776
Abraham Whipple painting by Edward Savage
Continental frigates Hancock and Boston capturing British frigate Fox, June 7, 1777
Esek Hopkins was an American naval officer, merchant captain, and privateer. Achieving the rank of Commodore, Hopkins was the only Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress commissioned him as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy in December 1775.
Esek Hopkins
Esek Hopkins (second from the left at the table) and other Rhode Island Merchants in Sea Captains Carousing in Surinam from 1755
Etching of Esek Hopkins
Esek Hopkins House, Providence, Rhode Island, built c. 1754