1880

First natatorium is built, one story brick, 34 by 62 feet, with slate roof.

1881

Midshipmen march in President James A. Garfield's inaugural parade.

June 10, 1881

President James A. Garfield attends graduation and becomes the first president to give commencement address.

June 13, 1881

Rear Admiral Christopher R. P. Rodgers becomes superintendent for second time.

November 14, 1881

Captain Francis M. Ramsay becomes superintendent. He is the first superintendent who is an alumnus (class of 1856) of the Naval Academy.

1882

Graduates are authorized to enter the U. S. Marine Corps. Legislation is passed that designates the student officers as "naval cadets."

Congress limits the number of Academy graduates who can be taken into the Navy.

The distinction between cadet engineers and naval cadets is abolished in both name and training. Up to this year, some 135 cadet engineers have been furnished to the fleet.

1886

The U. S. Naval Academy Graduates Association is founded--will be renamed the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association in 1931.

September 9, 1886

Commander William T. Sampson becomes superintendent.

1887

Studies of electricity and metallurgy are begun.

1889

By act of Congress the age limit for midshipmen is raised from 14 to 15 years minimum and 18 to 20 years maximum.