Charles Henry Davis Article Index for
Charles Henry
Website Links For
Charles
 

Information About

Charles Henry Davis




Charles Henry Davis ( 16 January 180718 February 1877 ) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War .

Born in Boston, Massachusetts , Davis was appointed Midshipman 12 August 1823 and made many valuable scientific contributions to the Navy before the Civil War during which he served with distinction.

As Flag Officer of the Mississippi Flotilla , he directed the capture and destruction of seven Confederate gunboats and rams near Memphis, Tennessee , and received the surrender of the city 6 June 1862; joined David Farragut 's fleet for operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi ; and cooperated with the Army expedition up the Yazoo River from 16 to 27 August 1862.

From 1862 to 1865 Davis served as Chief of the Bureau Of Navigation , then served as Superintendent of the Naval Observatory ; Commander in Chief, South Atlantic Squadron ; Commandant of Norfolk Navy Yard ; and member of the Lighthouse Board .

Davis died in Washington, D.C.

''Davis'' (TB-12) , ''Davis'' (DD-65) , and USS ''Davis'' (DD-395) were named to honor him.