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Birth
Fox is born in Massachusetts. This fostered anti-slavery ideals at a young age. This was a main reason why he joined the Union. -
Enters Naval Service
Fox becomes midshipman of the USS Cyane. This was the beginning of his naval career. Because of this, he would soon be known for his involvements with the navy. -
Marriage
Fox marries Virginia Woodbury. This connected him to a powerful political family. This relationship would help him later in life. -
Secession Crisis
South Carolina begins the secession crisis. This brought Fox to live in Washington. His government career begins here. -
First Plan to Relieve Fort Sumter
Navy Captain James Ward unveils a plan to relieve Fort Sumter. Unfortunately, President James Buchanan didn’t authorize the plan. Fox supported this plan, and is probably where he got inspiration for his own plan. -
Second Plan to Relieve Fort Sumter
Gustavus Fox reveals his own plan to relieve Fort Sumter, hoping the newly-inaugurated President Lincoln might agree. His genius of naval tactics gave him a good reputation with the navy. Though his plan failed because the South fired on the fort, Lincoln was pleased with the results. -
Battle of Fort Sumter
Fox is chosen to guide supplies "to the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and endeavor, in the first instance, to deliver the subsistence." This is what kicked off the civil war, and was his first important naval assignment. This made the Union look very good to the rest of the world. -
Appointed Chief Clerk of the Navy Department
Fox is appointed Chief Clerk of the Navy Department. He held this position until August 1st, 1861. This job was a step towards his most influential time, while assistant secretary of the navy. -
Appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy
A new post is created in the military just for him: Assistant secretary of the navy. This was where he made his greatest contributions. He was so good that Lincoln said he embodied the navy. -
Launch of the Monitor
The Monitor is launched. Gustavus was a strong supporter of the Monitor, and used its power to full advantage. He even came up with the name, which means one who admonishes and corrects wrongdoers. -
Crossing the Atlantic
Fox crosses the Atlantic on the monitor-class ship Miantonomoh. He gained information about foreign naval advances and made formal calls to other nations. This proved that ironclads, which he strongly supported, could be practical to use.
