Rowan served as commandant of the New York Navy Yard from 1872 to 1876, as governor of the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1881, and as superintendent of the Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C., from 1882 until his retirement in 1889. Rowan had a 63-year career, which was one of the longest in the history of the United States Navy. In 1882 Admiral Rowan was elected as a First Class Companion of the District of Columbia Commander of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). He was assigned MOLLUS insignia number 2510. Rowan's son, Hamilton Rowan, an officer in the U.S. Army, was elected as a Second Class Companion of MOLLUS and became a First Class Companion upon his father's death. Rowan died in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 1890. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Dates of rank Midshipman – February 1, 1826 Passed midshipman – April 28, 1832 Lieutenant – March 8, 1837 Commander – September 14, 1855 Captain and commodore – July 16, 1862 Rear admiral – July 25, 1866 Vice admiral – August 15, 1870 Retired list – February 26, 1889 Namesakes Four United States Navy ships have been named for him. Rowan Hall at Miami University is named in his memory. A public elementary school in San Diego, California, is named Stephen Rowan Elementary. A small park in the Shawnee neighborhood of Piqua, Rowan's hometown, containing a memorial cannon, is named Rowan Park. See also References External links Biography of Vice Admiral Stephen C. Rowan, USN, (1808–1890) Biography of Vice Admiral Stephen C. Rowan, (1808–1890) Vice Admiral Stephen Clegg Rowan Historical Marker 1808 births 1890 deaths Irish sailors in the United States Navy Irish emigrants to the United States (before 1923) United States Navy admirals Union Navy admirals People of Ohio in the American Civil War People from Piqua, Ohio Miami University alumni Burials at Oak Hill Cemetery (Washington, D.C.)