Capitol Hill in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Oldest Post of the Corps
Tour of Duty
— Barracks Row Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 12, 2008
1. Oldest Post of the Corps Marker
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
this page online
Erected 2004 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Notable Buildings • Notable Places • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Barracks Row Heritage Trail, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1801.
Location. 38° 52.88′ N, 76° 59.635′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Capitol Hill. Marker is at the intersection of G Street Southeast and 9th Street Southeast, on the right when traveling west on G Street Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 822 G Street Southeast, Washington DC 20003, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Neighborhood For Everyone (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Limestone of Lost Legacies (about 300 feet away); 545 Eighth Street, S.E. (about 400 feet away); Healing the Wounded (about 500 feet away); Commerce and Community (about 500 feet away); The Old Naval Hospital (about 600 feet away); National Association of University Women, Inc.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 29, 2016
2. Oldest Post of the Corps Marker reverse
More about this marker. Several photos are arranged around the text. From top to bottom those are captioned:
Two members of the world-famous U.S. Marine Silent Drill Team perform an over-the-shoulder rifle exchange in 1978. The Barracks is both home and public performance space for special Marine ceremonial units.
In 1857 Marines defended Washingtonians against election day rioters at the Northern Liberty Market in Mount Vernon Square, sit of today's City Museum on K Street, NW.
Marine officers with the Commandant's Quarters in the background, 1896.
In 1814 British soldiers burned much of official Washington, but the Marine Barracks was spared.
A Marine Barracks squad room on the eve of World War I.
Also see . . . Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (Submitted on August 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. "Eighth and Eye"
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 29, 2016
3. Oldest Post of the Corps Marker
The Commandant's Quarters can be seen in the background in this view of the marker to the west along G Street SE.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 12, 2008
4. Commandant's Quarters, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Current security restrictions prohibit wide-angle photos of the building.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, October 29, 2016
5. The Commandant's Quarters
Marine Guards at the site currently allow photographs of the Quarters.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 12, 2008
6. National Historic Landmark, 1976
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,356 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on March 7, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on October 30, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 4. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5. submitted on October 30, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 6. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
