This cabinet post was first held by Benjamin Stoddert in the administration of John Adams.
In James K. Polk's cabinet, this position was held by George Bancroft, who is more famous for writing a multi-volume history of the United States. In the Confederate cabinet of Jefferson Davis, this post was held by Stephen (+) Mallory. This cabinet post was first held by Benjamin Stoddert in the administration of John Adams. In Lincoln's cabinet, this position was held by Gideon Welles, who brought in the Swedish engineer John Ericsson to build the first (*) rotating gun turret and an object nicknamed the "Yankee Cheese Box". For 10 points, name this cabinet position, responsible for an academy in Annapolis and for objects like the USS Monitor and other warships.
In James K. Polk's cabinet, this position was held by George Bancroft, who is more famous for writing a multi-volume history of the United States.
{Secretary} of the {Navy}