List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine

In this review of List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps from 1775-1900, the bottom line is clear: this volume is a reference tool for researchers, genealogists and naval historians who need a comprehensive, alphabetized register of naval and marine officers through 1900. Compiled from original navy department manuscript records and official registers, the book's single biggest reason to buy is its breadth of recorded names and service details, making it a practical primary reference rather than casual reading.

Key Features

• Comprehensive register: Lists all commissioned, warranted and appointed officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps from 1775 through 1900, providing extensive coverage for historical research.
• Service details: Entries show dates of original entry, progressive rank, and how service ended for those no longer in the service, which helps track career timelines.
• Original sources: Compiled from navy department manuscript records and official semi-annual registers, ensuring the information is grounded in primary documents.
• Naval Academy listings: Includes a complete list of midshipmen, cadet engineers and naval cadets who entered the Naval Academy, arranged by class through 1900, useful for academy research and alumni tracing.
• Alphabetical arrangement: Names are arranged alphabetically for quick lookup, making the book practical as a desk reference for specific queries.

Who It's For

This work is best for academic and amateur historians, genealogists searching military ancestors, archivists cataloging naval records, and collectors of maritime reference books who need a primary-source-based register covering the navy and marine corps through 1900. Librarians and institutions will find it useful for reference collections where precise service dates and ranks are required.

It is less suitable for readers seeking narrative history, analyses of battles or broad strategic overviews; the volume is a register first and foremost, so those wanting interpretive history or illustrated storytelling should look for a different title.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive, alphabetized coverage of naval and marine officers across more than a century for reliable lookup.
• Draws from original navy department manuscripts and official registers, increasing the work's credibility as a primary reference.
• Includes Naval Academy class lists, making it a one-stop source for officer entry records through 1900.

Cons

• Not a narrative history or illustrated work, so it lacks contextual storytelling or analysis for general readers.
• Data presentation is register-style and may feel dense for casual browsing or coffee-table use.

Specifications

Title	List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps from 1775-1900
Author / Compiler	Edward W. Callahan
Coverage period	1775 through 1900
Content type	Alphabetical register of officers and Naval Academy class lists
Primary sources	Navy department manuscript records and official semi-annual registers
Includes	Commissioned, warranted, appointed and volunteer officers; entry dates and rank progressions

Our Verdict

This register is a valuable, cost-effective resource for anyone needing authoritative lists of naval and marine officers through 1900. Its reliance on original navy department records and semi-annual registers makes it especially useful for serious research, archival work, and genealogical verification, though casual readers seeking narrative history should consider other titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include Naval Academy entrants?
Yes, it contains lists of midshipmen, cadet engineers and naval cadets arranged by class through the year 1900.

Are service dates and ranks provided?
Entries show dates of original entry, progressive rank and the manner those no longer in service severed their connection, based on official records.

Is this book a narrative history?
No, it is a register-style reference compiled from manuscript records and official registers rather than a descriptive or analytical history.