Birth of the Corps

Nov. 10, 1775 -- Continental Congress establishes Marine Corps
On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution
stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet.
This resolution, sponsored by John Adams, 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 (later
Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines,
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.

Nov. 28, 1775 --
John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, authorizes captain's commission for Samuel Nicholas, which tradition holds, was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps.

March 3, 1776 --
First amphibious raid: New Providence, Bahamas

July 4, 1776 --
Declaration of Independence signed

April, 1783 --
Treaty of Paris; Marine Corps disbands shortly after treaty signed. Formal re-establishment of Marine Corps doesn't occur until 11 July, 1798.

April 25-27, 1805 --
Capture of fortress at Derne, Tripoli
-- Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon presented "Mameluke" sword for actions at Derne

08/28/1998