Charles Oscar Paullin (April 19, 1869 – November 24, 1944) was an American naval historian and academic known for his extensive research on the United States Navy during the Revolutionary War and the early Republic. His scholarly work contributed significantly to the development of naval historiography in the United States.
Early life and education
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Paullin attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1889. He subsequently pursued graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Ph.D. in history in 1903. His doctoral dissertation, “The Navy of the American Revolution,” later formed the basis for his seminal multi‑volume series on the subject.
Academic and professional career
After completing his doctorate, Paullin joined the faculty of the University of Chicago as an instructor in history, later becoming a professor of naval history. He also served as an adjunct lecturer at the United States Naval War College, where he influenced a generation of naval officers with his scholarly approach to maritime history.
Major works
Paullin’s most influential publication is the multi‑volume series The Navy of the American Revolution (published 1906–1909), which provided a detailed account of naval operations, ship construction, and personnel during the Revolutionary era. Other notable works include:
- The Navy in the War of 1812 (1914) – a comprehensive study of U.S. naval actions in the War of 1812.
- Naval History of the United States, 1775–1865 (co‑authored with William M. Fowler, 1934) – a broad survey of American naval development from the Revolution through the Civil War.
His articles appeared in scholarly journals such as The American Historical Review and Proceedings of the U.S. Naval Institute.
Contributions and legacy
Paullin is regarded as a foundational figure in American naval historiography. His meticulous use of primary sources, including ship logs, Admiralty records, and personal correspondence, set a methodological standard for subsequent researchers. The Charles O. Paullin Prize, established by the Naval Historical Foundation, honors outstanding contributions to naval history in his memory.
Personal life and death
Paullin married Eleanor L. Whitaker in 1901; the couple had two children. He remained active in scholarly circles until his death in Chicago, Illinois, in 1944. His papers and research materials are housed in the archives of the U.S. Naval Academy Museum and the University of Chicago Library.
