On Nov. 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed resolution a stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of Captain Samuel Nicholas (later Major).
The first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, Nicholas remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant.
The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence.
Following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-establishment of the Marine Corps on 11 July 1798, Marines saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli."
Marines took part in numerous naval operations during the War of 1812, as well as participating in the defense of Washington at Bladensburg, Maryland, and fought alongside Andrew Jackson in the defeat of the British at New Orleans.
Today, the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps amphibious team represents the most powerful amphibious force of all time, with the world’s most effective ships, aircraft, vehicles, weapons, and personnel to get the job done. Visit the U.S. Navy Live Blog for video of the Navy-Marine Corps team in action.
General Robert B. Neller is the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps. View the Commandant’s Birthday Message.
For more information about U.S. Marine Corps history, go to: https://www.mcu.usmc.mil/historydivision/Pages/Customs_Traditions/Brief_History_USMC.aspx.