Jorge Farragut: Spanish-Born Patriot Who Fought for American Independence

Jorge Farragut (1755–1817) unequivocally sided with the American revolutionaries. He was a Spanish-born merchant mariner who became a naval hero for the United States.

Biography

• Born: Jordi Farragut Mesquida in Ciutadella, Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain).
• Arrived in America: 1766 (age 11), eventually settling in New Orleans.
• Revolutionary Service: Joined the South Carolina Navy (state navy) as a lieutenant. Fought at Savannah (1779) and Charleston (1780). Captured at Charleston's fall, paroled.
• Later Service: Served in the US Navy during the Quasi-War with France (1798–1800) and War of 1812 (gunboat flotilla, New Orleans).
• Legacy: Father of **David Farragut** (first US Admiral, "Damn the torpedoes!").

Why Not the British?

Spain was **ally of France and the US** against Britain (1779–1783). Farragut, a Spanish subject in Spanish Louisiana, naturally aligned with the Spanish-allied American cause. He never served British interests.

Verdict: **American Patriot.** A Spanish immigrant who risked his life for US independence.