USMC History & Key Dates
The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, making it one of the oldest branches of the U.S. military. Originally formed to serve as naval infantry, the Marines have since become America's expeditionary force in readiness.
Marine Corps founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia by the Second Continental Congress
Birth of the United States Marine Corps
Marine Corps re-established under the Department of the Navy
Became a permanent branch of the U.S. military
Marines storm the shores of Tripoli during the First Barbary War
Inspired the opening line of the Marines' Hymn
Marines fight in the Battle of Chapultepec during the Mexican-American War
The "Halls of Montezuma" immortalized in the Marines' Hymn
Marines fight at the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I
Earned the nickname "Devil Dogs" from German soldiers
Marines raise the flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima
One of the most iconic images in American military history
Marines conduct amphibious landing at Inchon during the Korean War
Turned the tide of the Korean War
Marines deploy for operations in Afghanistan
Among the first conventional forces in the Global War on Terrorism