History of The Marines

Every Marine is responsible for carrying on the legacy of the Marines who came before him or her.

The Marine Corps celebrate their original date of creation—Nov. 10, 1775—but the service was actually founded twice

The Marine Corps started as the Continental Marines during the American Revolutionary War, formed by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, and first recruited at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They served as landing troops for the recently created Continental Navy. The Continental Marines were disbanded at the end of the war in April 1783 but re-formed on July 11 1798. Despite the gap, Marines celebrate November 10 as the Marine Corps Birthday.

Marines have honed their fighting spirit to win our nation's battles over more than 240 years - and counting.

On this day in History, Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps on Nov 10, 1775. Learn more about what happened today on History.

The history of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) begins with the founding of the Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 to conduct ship-to-ship fighting, provide shipboard security and discipline enforcement, and assist in landing forces. Its mission evolved with changing military doctrine and foreign policy of the United States.

On the anniversary of its creation, explore seven surprising facts about one of the most storied branches of the armed forces.