This Day in RI History: May 9, 1861 -U S Naval Academy moved to Newport whatsupnewp.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from whatsupnewp.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
During the 19th century, the U.S. Congress saw a growing country and the need to defend two long coastlines. The Quasi-War with France, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War all indicated the need for effective naval forces.