David Dixon Porter

Biography

David Dixon Porter rose to become one of the Navy’s most prominent leaders during the Civil War, commanding fleets that helped secure the Mississippi River and leading the assault on Fort Fisher. His strategic insight and insistence on readiness not only helped win key victories but also inspired confidence in sailors and marines across the service.

Following the war he continued to champion naval modernization, guiding shipbuilding efforts and shaping naval policy until his retirement. Porter’s final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery honors a career defined by bold vision and deep devotion to the United States Navy.