Samuel Barron (1809–1888)

Samuel Barron (1809–1888) was a Confederate States Navy officer during the American Civil War. He was born in Hampton, Virginia.

Barron entered the United States Navy as a midshipman in 1823. He served with distinction for many years, rising through the ranks to become a commander. Before the outbreak of the Civil War, he served as the superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1849 to 1851.

At the start of the Civil War, Barron resigned his commission in the U.S. Navy and joined the Confederate Navy. He was appointed as a flag officer and given the responsibility of organizing the Confederate naval defenses of North Carolina. He was later sent to Europe to acquire warships for the Confederacy.

In 1862, Barron was captured at the surrender of Fort Hatteras and Fort Clark in North Carolina. He was imprisoned for a time before being exchanged. He then served as the commander of Confederate naval forces in Europe. After the war, Barron returned to the United States and lived in retirement. He died in 1888.