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Tour of Duty
Barracks Row Heritage Trail
5 Oldest Post of the Corps
On your left is Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., the oldest continuously manned post in the U.S. Marine Corps. The installation was originally designed by architect George Hadfield in 1801 with a central parade ground and housing for 500 enlisted and officers in addition to the Commandant's Quarters (in mid-block across the street). This elegant 23-room house, enhanced in 1901 by a mansard roof, is the only remaining original structure.
When the U.S. government moved from Philadelphia to Washington City in 1800, the Marine Corps came as well to protect all federal buildings. At first the Marines camped in Georgetown and on E Street, NW. In March 1801, President Thomas Jefferson, accompanied by Marine Lieutenant Colonel William Ward Burroughs, selected this site for the Marine Barracks. It was near the Navy Yard and within easy marching distance to the Capitol and the President's House in case of trouble.
During the War of 1812, the Marine Barracks was one of the few public structures not destroyed by the British invaders. One local legend explains that British General Ross, after witnessing the Marines at the Battle of Bladensburg, ordered it spared "as a gesture of soldierly respect."
The Marines defended Washington in the War of 1812 and have fought on land and sea in every U.S. conflict since. (With thanks for research by Lena Kaljot, Marine Corps Historical Center.) |