Samuel Francis du Pont

United States naval officer

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June 25, 2026

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Samuel Francis du Pont was a United States naval officer and a member of the prominent du Pont family, known for their involvement in the explosives and manufacturing industries. He served in the Mexican War and was instrumental in designing the curriculum for the Naval Academy at Annapolis. During the American Civil War, he commanded squadrons and fleets blockading the South, achieving the rank of rear admiral. However, a significant naval attack he led against Charleston, South Carolina, in 1863 resulted in a major defeat, leading to his removal from command.1

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du Pont Family
His son, Samuel Francis du Pont (1803–65), was a U.S. naval officer. He served in the Mexican War, was on the board that designed the curriculum for the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and commanded squadrons and fleets in the blockade of the South during the American…
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His son, Samuel Francis du Pont (1803–65), was a U.S. naval officer. He served in the Mexican War, was on the board that designed the curriculum for the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and commanded squadrons and fleets in the blockade of the South during the American…
Read More