1871

Midshipmen color competition, the Color Parade,and the "Color Girl" ceremony are initiated.

1872

Sep

First black midshipman, James Conyers, reports.He will resign November 1873.

1873

Oct 9

U. S. Naval Institute is founded in the Lyceumfor "the advancement of professional, literary, andscientific knowledge in the Navy."

1874

First course in mechanical engineering offered inthe United States is established.

Sep 22

Rear Admiral Christopher R. P. Rodgers becomessuperintendent.

1878

Albert A. Michelson (USNA 1873)first accurately measures the speed of light with $10 worth of apparatus along the seawall.

Jul 1

Commodore Foxhall A. Parker becomes superintendent. His brother, William H. Parker, had beensuperintendent of the Confederate NavalAcademy during the Civil War.

Oct

The Naval Academy is awarded a gold medal atthe Paris Universal Exposition for the best systemof education in the United States.

1879

Aug 2

Rear Admiral George B. Balch becomes superintendent.The previous superintendent, Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, had died during June Week.

Dec 11

The first Naval Academy football game results inNaval Academy 0, Baltimore Athletic Club 0.

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