The Continental Congress established the Continental Navy on October 13, 1775, creating the Revolutionary-era predecessor of the modern U.S. Navy.
Congress authorized the purchase of two vessels to cruise against British merchant ships. This decision came during the American Revolutionary War, when the colonies needed naval forces to disrupt British supply and commerce.
The Continental Navy operated from 1775 to 1785. It developed into a small but active force, with John Adams involved in early naval administration and Esek Hopkins later appointed commander-in-chief. John Paul Jones became one of its best-known officers.
The modern United States Navy was formally established in 1794, after the Continental Navy had been disbanded. The Navy later adopted October 13, 1775, as its official establishment date, which is why the date appears in anniversary history connected with America250.