There once was a real ship named Black Pearl captained by Henry Morgan, one of the world’s most notorious pirates. The Black Pearl which first sailed in 1669 fought many battles; the most famous of which was an invasion in Panama in 1671. The following year Captain Morgan was put in prison in England. Years later he returned to Jamaica as a judge and governor. Henry Morgan died in England in 1688 after a long illness.

The act that authorized the construction of the first six frigates called for a halt in construction if peace with Algiers was secured. Such a peace came in early 1796--before the ships were completed--but President Washington urged continued congressional support. Congress approved the completion of three frigates, the U.S.S. United States, the U.S.S. Constellation, and the U.S.S. Constitution. The three vessels were completed and launched in 1797. The Department of War was responsible for their construction, and the Department of the Treasury was responsible for all related contracts and disbursements. Officials in those departments and others recommended to Congress that a separate naval department be created that would be staffed with persons competent in, and solely responsible for, naval affairs. At the same time, tensions with France prompted greater support for a strong navy. The act establishing the Department of the Navy was signed by President John Adams on April 30, 1798.

View the document on NARA's website.