Navy·Technology obsolescence·In Memoriam
Powder Monkey
Served: c.1799–1862
Boys 10–14 (sometimes 8) ran black powder from the magazine up to the gun deck during battle. Chosen for being small enough to fit through the hatches.
The Story
After the War of 1812, the US Navy banned boys under 12 from sea service — meaning for a decade-plus it was technically legal to send a 12-year-old into combat with gunpowder in his arms.
Epitaph
“Small target. Loud job. Old before they were grown.”
Sources
- USS Constitution Museum — Ranks & Ratesussconstitutionmuseum.org
- National Maritime Historical Societyseahistory.org