On This Day: The Creation of the U.S. Naval Academy

On October 10, 1845, the United States Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, Maryland. Originally named the Naval School, the Naval Academy became the second service academy created in the United States. Midshipmen, students at the Naval Academy, are officers in training and their tuition is fully funded by the U.S. government in return for active-duty service after graduation. The Naval Academy graduates are usually commissioned as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. Naval Academy graduates include President Jimmy Carter, over 50 astronauts, 24 members of Congress, 73 Medal of Honor Recipients and 29 Chiefs of Naval Operations.