First Marine Corps Units Formed
The formation of the first Marine Corps units marked a significant milestone in the development of American military forces, beginning in the 18th century. Initially, American colonists served as marines in British forces during various colonial conflicts, leading to the establishment of dedicated marine units as the American Revolution unfolded. Notably, in 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of its marine force and appointed Captain Samuel Nichols as its first commandant. The Original Eight, a detachment from Connecticut, participated in early military actions, including the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. Throughout the Revolution, marines played a crucial role in significant battles and raids, contributing to the broader revolutionary effort. Following a brief disbandment after the war, the U.S. Marine Corps was officially established in 1798, evolving into a vital component of American military strategy through subsequent conflicts, including both World Wars and numerous other engagements. Today, the U.S. Marine Corps is celebrated annually on November 10, commemorating its rich history and ongoing service.
First Marine Corps Units Formed
American Revolution: First Marine Corps Units Formed
The Marines have constituted an important element of American military strength since their inception in the 18th century. In engagements at close quarters they defended the vessels on which they sailed by firing their muskets from positions in the ships' rigging, and they formed the landing parties that attempted to board the enemy's craft. Specialists in amphibious assault landings, the Marines also acted as shock troops. They have maintained this latter role, and it is their primary function in modern American warfare.
There were marines long before the United States Marine Corps was founded. Americans served as British marines in the later colonial wars. During the War of Jenkins' Ear from 1739 to 1742 the 43rd Regiment of Foot, more popularly known as Gooch's Marines in honor of its colonel, fought against the French in the West Indies. Colonial Americans also served as marines aboard privateers during the French and Indian War from 1754 to 1763.
Several colonies raised units of marines at the onset of the American Revolution in 1775. A detachment from Connecticut, known in United States Marine folklore as the Original Eight, took part in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, New York, on May 10, 1775. On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved to raise its own marine force. According to the act of this date, two battalions composed of men who were “good seamen or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required” were authorized. John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, appointed Captain Samuel Nichols as the first commandant of this “marine corps.”
Captain Nichols set up his headquarters at the Tun Tavern at Water Street and Wilcox Alley in east Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began to recruit marines. The tavern's proprietor, Robert Mullan, received a commission as captain and carried on the task of recruiting throughout the Revolution.
Actually, the first marine detachment to serve under the auspices of the Continental Congress preceded the November 1775 resolution. On June 10, 1775, the congress took control of all American military forces on Lake Champlain, and it also assumed responsibility for a group of 17 Massachusetts colonial marines under Lieutenant James Watson who were part of the ship's complement of the Enterprise. These troops also fought in the battle of Valcour Island in October 1776.
Continental marines rendered important service to the revolutionary cause. In March 1776 some 200 marines spearheaded a raid on a British ammunition and supply depot at Nassau in the Bahamas, and from December 1776 into January 1777 marines from the Hancock participated in the battles of Trenton and Princeton in New Jersey. The following autumn they assisted in the unsuccessful defense of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Marines fought on American soil in many other encounters during the Revolution, and some served with John Paul Jones in his attack on Whitehaven, England, in April 1778.
In 1785, after the Revolution, Congress disbanded the Continental navy and the marines. In 1794, however, the government reversed its decision in response to the continuing harassment of American shipping by the Barbary pirates of North Africa. Finally, on July 11, 1798, Congress established the United States Marine Corps as a specialized service under the secretary of the navy.
The marines have participated in every war in which the United States has been involved and have accomplished more than 300 landings on foreign shores. They fought in the Tripolitan War against the Barbary pirates from 1801 to 1805, in the War of 1812 against Great Britain, in the Mexican War from 1846 to 1848, and in the Civil War. With the expansion of American interests abroad in the 19th and 20th centuries, the marines have played an important role in quelling local disturbances and conflicts. The familiar “Marine's Hymn” lines “From the halls of Montezuma/To the shores of Tripoli” allude to the wide range of conflicts in which they have been involved.
During both of the world wars in the 20th Century, the marines were engaged in major combat operations. In World War I they fought in France at Belleau Wood, Blanc Mont, the Meuse -Argonne, St. Mihiel, and Soissons. In World War II they spearheaded the landings at Guadalcanal in the Pacific and saw action in such other famous battles as Tarawa, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. By 1945 the marines had six divisions, four air wings, and a variety of supporting forces.
After World War II the marines remained an important element in the American defense establishment. They fought in the Korean War of 1950 to 1953, participating in the Inchon landing under General Douglas MacArthur, and pioneered the techniques of helicopter assault. In the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and a variety of other conflicts the marines have played a critical role in American land, sea, and air operations.
Since 1921 the U.S. Marine Corps has officially celebrated November 10 as its birthday. The location and circumstances of particular marine units influence observances of the event. In Washington, D.C., the battle of Iwo Jima, which was spearheaded by the marines, is commemorated by the Iwo Jima Memorial not far from Arlington National Cemetery. The bronze statue-crafted by Felix de Weldon from a celebrated photograph by Joe Rosenthal, which depicts the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima by several marine soldiers-was dedicated on November 10, 1954.