07/05/2026
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⚓ On This Day in Masonic History – July 5, 1801 ⚓
Today, Smithfield Masonic Lodge No. 182 F. & A.M. honors the birth of Brother Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, born on July 5, 1801 the man who would become the first officer in the history of the United States Navy to hold the ranks of Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral, and full Admiral.
Farragut’s life was one of extraordinary service to his country. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by naval officer Captain David Porter and entered the United States Navy as a midshipman at just nine years old. Before reaching his teenage years, he had already experienced combat during the War of 1812, beginning a naval career that would span nearly six decades.
Throughout his service, Brother Farragut sailed in the War of 1812, fought piracy in the Caribbean, served in the Mexican-American War, and ultimately rose to national prominence during the American Civil War. His most celebrated victories came in the capture of New Orleans in 1862 and at the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864.
It was during the fierce fighting at Mobile Bay, with Confederate mines—then known as “torpedoes”—threatening his fleet, that Farragut issued the command forever associated with his name:
“Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
Whether spoken in those exact words or in a slightly different form, the message reflected the same unwavering resolve: courage in the face of danger, decisive leadership under pressure, and an unshakable commitment to duty.
His remarkable leadership forever changed the United States Navy. In recognition of his achievements, Congress created new flag ranks for him, making Farragut the first American naval officer to be promoted to Rear Admiral, then Vice Admiral, and finally Admiral titles that had never before existed in the U.S. Navy.
Brother Farragut was also a Freemason. While historians have not conclusively identified the lodge in which he received the degrees of Masonry, his membership was well recognized during his lifetime, and upon his passing on August 14, 1870, he was honored with Masonic funeral rites by the Brethren in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
His life exemplified many of the virtues taught within our Craft:
🔹 Fortitude in the face of overwhelming danger.
🔹 Integrity in service to his nation.
🔹 Brotherly devotion to those who served beside him.
🔹 Perseverance through nearly sixty years of faithful naval service.
As Freemasons, we remember Brother Farragut not only as one of America’s greatest naval heroes but also as a man whose life reflected the timeless principles of duty, honor, courage, and steadfast commitment to something greater than himself.
May his example continue to inspire us to navigate our own lives with the same resolve, wisdom, and fidelity to our obligations.
“The reputation of no man should rest on the words of another.” — Admiral David Glasgow Farragut
⚓📐🇺🇸
