William McKean

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William Wister McKean (19 September 1800 – 22 April 1865) was an admiral in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was noted for his service in the Union blockade that effectively closed Confederate seaports in the Gulf of Mexico.

Born in Pennsylvania, McKean was the grandson of Thomas McKean, the governor of that state.

McKean was appointed midshipman 30 November 1814. He served in the Navy from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, when he rose to the rank of flag officer in command of the Gulf Blockading Squadron and later the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. McKean was relieved from active duty 4 June 1862.

McKean died at Binghamton, New York.

Two ships were named in his honor.

This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.