TTHN Ep 6 - Damn the Torpedoes

There are moments in history that become larger than life—reduced to a single phrase, a single decision, a single flash of action.“Damn the torpedoes.”But behind that moment is a life shaped long before Mobile Bay.In this episode, we trace the full arc of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut—from his beginnings along the Tennessee River near Campbell’s Station… to a childhood marked by loss… to a life forged almost entirely at sea.By the time the Civil War began, Farragut was not an untested officer looking for opportunity. He was something far more dangerous—experienced, disciplined, and decisive.At New Orleans, he proved he would act.At Mobile Bay, he proved how.But this story is not just about a command shouted in battle.It is about:the weight of decisionthe cost of loyaltyand the kind of life that prepares a man to move forward when others hesitateBecause when the moment came… Farragut did not wait.He moved.Full speed ahead.🎧 Bonus ContentA full-length interview with Paul DeHaan, author of DAMN THE TORPEDOES, is available for premium supporters on Patreon.SourcesDeHaan, P. (n.d.). Damn the torpedoes: Farragut & USS Hartford: 158 years of service. Self-published.Farragut Museum. (n.d.). David Glasgow Farragut exhibits and interpretive materials. Farragut, TN.Tennessee Encyclopedia. (n.d.). David Glasgow Farragut.https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/david-glasgow-farragut/Tennessee History for Kids. (n.d.). David Farragut.https://www.tnhistoryforkids.org/people/david_farragutAmerican Battlefield Trust. (n.d.). Jorge Farragut.https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/jorge-farragutCredits:Hosted by Big John SummersProduced by Summers Media EnterprisesMusic by Big John SummersFollow & Support:Follow The Tennessee History Nerd on Facebook, Instagram, and X for additional content, including on-location videos and historical insights from around the state of Tennessee as well as other places that bear relevance.Support the show on Patreon for:Early access to episodesAd-free listeningExclusive bonus content, including full-length interviews🔗 Links 🎧 Support the show on Patreon (early access, bonus content, interviews):https://www.patreon.com/summersmediaenterprises🧢 Merch & Apparel:https://www.summersmediaenterprises.com/merch🎤 Book John for Speaking Engagements:https://www.summersmediaenterprises.com/speaking-engagements📘 Follow on Facebook:Love what you're hearing? Hate what you're hearing? Either way, we'd love to hear what you think!Support the show by subscribing to Patreon! Check out our sister podcast Dauphin Island Diaries Advertise with us!  [email protected] Check out merchandise from The Tennessee History Nerd.   www.summersmediaenterprises.com/merch Thanks for listening!  Please check out our other episodes!If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with someone who loves history, and leave a review—it helps more folks discover the stories of the Volunteer State.