The Michelsons landed in New York City, but shortly thereafter left for San Francisco. Samuel planned to take his family to the gold fields of California and Nevada where he could open a general store.
After a short stay in San Francisco, young Albert traveled with his parents to their new home in Murphys Camp, in California's Calaveras County. He was soon sent back to San Francisco, however, to complete his education. There he fell under the influence of Theodore Bradley, headmaster of the Boys' High School, where Michelson was enrolled. Bradley apparently recognized Michelson's talents and placed him in charge of the school's scientific equipment. At the age of 16, Michelson returned to live with his parents, whose home was now in Virginia City, Nevada. A brother, Charles, was born the following year and a sister, Miriam, two years later.
Perseverance Wins an Appointment to the Naval Academy
In 1869, Michelson decided to take the entrance examination for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. He passed the exam, but lost the appointment to another boy who had tied with him on the test. Undeterred, Michelson decided to travel to Washington and ask President Ulysses S. Grant personally for an appointment to the Academy.
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