Leutze Park - Marine Corps Historical Center

Leutze Park - Marine Corps Historical Center. . , Leutze Park , This park is named for Rear Admiral Eugene H. Leutze, who was Commandant of the Yard from 1905 to 1910. The park is used as a parade ground and for formal affairs as the Ceremonial Quarterdeck of the Navy. Surrounding the park is a collection of historical bronze ordnance, captured as trophies of combat of United States forces. These cannons, made in Spain, France, Italy, and the United States date from the mid-seventeenth century to mid-nineteenth century. At the northwest corner of the park is located the bell from the USS Mitscher, a frigate converted to a guided missile destroyer, which was named in honor of Vice Admiral Mark Mitscher, the renowned carrier striking force Commander of World War II. Nearby are two plaques, one with a history of the Washington Navy Yard, another with a list of its commandants. At the southern end of the park stands the giant anchor from the carrier Enterprise, which saw action in the South Pacific during World War II., Marine Corps Historical Center , This three-story brick structure was built in the mid-nineteenth century. The Old Stores building, which was burned on 24 August 1814 to prevent its capture by the British, formerly occupied the site. The new building housed the Public Works offices in the 1920's and 1930's. In 1941 it was remodeled to serve as a barracks for the Marine Guard in the Yard. The building was opened to the public after complete renovation as the Marine Corps Historical Center in 1977. The Center maintains the archival, research, library, and museum facilities of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Museum, on the first floor, presents the history of the Marine Corps through its collection of historical objects and art works.