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Franklin BuchananUS naval officer, admiral, participant in the American Civil War
Date of Birth: 13.09.1800
Country:  USA |
Content:
Early Life and Naval Career
Franklin Buchanan was born in Maryland to parents of Scottish descent. His paternal grandfather served as a general in the Maryland militia during the Revolutionary War, and his maternal grandfather was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Buchanan joined the U.S. Navy as a midshipman at the age of 15. By 1825, he had become a lieutenant in the navy and rose to the rank of commander in 1841.
Throughout his naval career, Buchanan commanded various sloops and frigates. In 1845-1847, he served as the first superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Buchanan also participated in the Mexican-American War. In 1855, he was promoted to captain and served as commandant of the Washington Navy Yard until the outbreak of the Civil War.
Confederate Naval Service
When the Civil War began in 1861, Buchanan joined the Confederate Navy. He famously commanded the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia in the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862, where he was severely wounded.
In August 1862, Buchanan was promoted to admiral and assigned to Mobile, Alabama. He oversaw the construction of the ironclad CSS Tennessee and defended Mobile from federal forces in the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864. During the battle, Buchanan was again wounded and captured.
Post-War Life
After the war, Buchanan lived in Maryland before relocating to Mobile. He eventually returned to his home state in 1870 and passed away at his family estate, Wye House, in 1874.
