George Henry Preble (1816-1885), who was born in Portland, commanded the first American landing of armed forces in China in 1844.

He served in the Mexican War and the American Civil War.

In 1862 Preble was made commander, although he was demoted after allowing a Confederate ship to break through a blockade. He was later cleared and his commission was restored. After retiring from service, Preble wrote extensively on naval and Maine history.

Preble was the nephew of Commodore Edward Preble.