Civil War Union Navy Rear Admiral. Born in New York City, he was appointed first assistant engineer in the newly established Corps of Engineers of the United States Navy. In 1848 he was promoted to chief engineer. In 1861, anticipating hostilities against Fort Sumter, Navy Secretary, Gideon Welles sent him to the Norfolk Navy Yard on April 11th to repair the engines of the USS Merrimack so that the ship could be brought to sea if the yard was threatened. He had it repaired and ready by April 18th, but 2 days later the yard was partially destroyed by withdrawing Federal forces. The Merrimack was among the vessels burned and sunk. In 1862 he became the first head of the new Bureau of Steam Engineering. His work involved directing the design and construction of all machinery connected with the new steam navy. He designed the Wampanoag class of ships especially for use on the Southern Blockade. For a time these were the fastest ships afloat. By the war's end the navy had expanded its fleet to include 600 new steam warships. After serving 8 years as head of the Bureau of Steam Engineering, he turned his attention to the study of foreign navies and naval bases. He retired with the rank of Commodore on June 6, 1884, and was later promoted to Rear Admiral on the retired list. In 1905, Isherwood Hall was built at the United States Naval Academy. It was one of three engineering buildings serving midshipmen until it was razed in 1982. Today, the Navy gives The Rear Admiral Benjamin F. Isherwood Award which recognizes innovation and expertise in the effective assessment, development, execution, or deployment of technological solutions for operational Fleet needs.
Civil War Union Navy Rear Admiral. Born in New York City, he was appointed first assistant engineer in the newly established Corps of Engineers of the United States Navy. In 1848 he was promoted to chief engineer. In 1861, anticipating hostilities against Fort Sumter, Navy Secretary, Gideon Welles sent him to the Norfolk Navy Yard on April 11th to repair the engines of the USS Merrimack so that the ship could be brought to sea if the yard was threatened. He had it repaired and ready by April 18th, but 2 days later the yard was partially destroyed by withdrawing Federal forces. The Merrimack was among the vessels burned and sunk. In 1862 he became the first head of the new Bureau of Steam Engineering. His work involved directing the design and construction of all machinery connected with the new steam navy. He designed the Wampanoag class of ships especially for use on the Southern Blockade. For a time these were the fastest ships afloat. By the war's end the navy had expanded its fleet to include 600 new steam warships. After serving 8 years as head of the Bureau of Steam Engineering, he turned his attention to the study of foreign navies and naval bases. He retired with the rank of Commodore on June 6, 1884, and was later promoted to Rear Admiral on the retired list. In 1905, Isherwood Hall was built at the United States Naval Academy. It was one of three engineering buildings serving midshipmen until it was razed in 1982. Today, the Navy gives The Rear Admiral Benjamin F. Isherwood Award which recognizes innovation and expertise in the effective assessment, development, execution, or deployment of technological solutions for operational Fleet needs.
Bio by: Ugaalltheway
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