Throwback Thursday: 250 years of the U.S. Marines

“From the halls of Montezuma,
To the shores of Tripoli,
We fight our country’s battles
In the air, on land, and sea.
First to fight for right and freedom,
To keep our honor clean,
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.”

Says the United States Marine Corps hymn. 250 years ago this week, Continental Congressman John Adams commissioned the creation of two battalions of what the congress called “American Marines.” Each was comprised of a Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Cajors, and other officers to reflect other regiments of the Continental Army. Thus, the Marines were officially created before the United States became a country independent from British rule.

It is believed that Tun Tavern in Philadelphia was the Marines’ first recruiting post. That location is celebrated annually at the Marine Birthday Ball held this week.

Their first mission as Continental Marines, alongside the Continental Navy, was to seize gunpowder in the British-ruled Bahamas at Fort Nassau in 1776, focusing on ship-to-ship landing combat. But after the war ended, they disbanded, until 1798, when they were re-established to fight in the Quasi-War with France. They have fought in every American war since. They truly stormed “the halls of Montezuma” at the Battle of Chapultepec in the Mexican-American War and the “shores of Tripoli” in the fights against pirates during the first Barbary War.

The Marines became known as the first force to respond to threats of freedom and the defense of liberty. Trained on land, in the air, and on water, the Marines’ training ensures their experience fighting in the ways of the other branches of the military. They earned the nickname “devil dogs” thanks to heroic efforts during World War I. The official Marine Corps Hymn was adopted in 1929, with the current version written in 1942.

The United States is turning 250 in 2026. We will have several stories featuring America’s birthday next year. Until then, thank you to the U.S. Marines and their continued service to protect our liberty.