Rosslyn in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Legacy Older than the Republic
US Marine Corps War Memorial, George Washington Memorial Parkway
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2019
1. A Legacy Older than the Republic Marker
The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, first authorized the raising of the "Continental Marines"—in November 1775.
The well-known ability of the Marines to quickly respond to emergencies—in any part of the globe—has made them a part of almost every conflict in the history of the United States. Marines have "fought their country's battles" on every continent, and sailed every sea on the planet, for more than 240 years.
One of your best opportunities to learn more in depth about Marines, their challenges, triumphs, and traditions is not far away. Near Quantico, Virginia, about 30 minutes drive time from here, you can explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps or conduct research at the Marine Corps History Division.
(Caption)
That Eagle, Globe, and Anchor:
Time-honored Traditions
In the early 1800s Marine's buttons showed an eagle clutching a fouled anchor with 13 stars above. You can still see that on dress and service uniform buttons today. Only the stars have changed—from six points then to five points.
Erected by National Park
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1775.
Location. 38° 53.463′ N, 77° 4.245′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Rosslyn. It is on US Marine Memorial Circle north of North Marshall Drive, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1495 North Meade Street, Arlington VA 22209, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Something More Than A Statue (here, next to this marker); Here We Remember Them All (within shouting distance of this marker); And How Will You Remember Them? (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Marine Corps War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Marines' Fiercest Fighting of World War II (about 300 feet away); A Split Second Made Immortal (about 300 feet away); Missions Critical (about 400 feet away); Battle Honors Unending (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Battle For Iwo Jima (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); History Of The U. S. Marine Corps (was within shouting distance of this marker but has
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 2, 2019
2. A Legacy Older than the Republic Marker
Also see . . . Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location titled "History Of The U. S. Marine Corps". (Submitted on February 4, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
