Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
8th & I
"Oldest Post of the Corps"

Who we are

Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., also known as "8th & I," is the oldest active post in the Marine Corps. It was founded by President Thomas Jefferson and Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in 1801.

Located on the corners of 8th & I Streets in southeast Washington, D.C., the Barracks supports both ceremonial and security missions in the nation's capital.

The Barracks is home to many nationally recognized units, including the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Band, the official Marine Corps Color Guard, and the Marine Corps Body Bearers. It is also the site of the Home of the Commandants, which along with the Barracks, is a registered national historic landmark.

01

Battle on the Court

U.S. Marines with Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, celebrate their victory in the championship game of the basketball championship hosted...

02

Marine Corps Enlisted Aid Luncheon

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kevona Kelly, trainee in the Marine Corps Enlisted Aide Program, garnishes a salad for a luncheon hosted by the Marine Corps...

03

Combat-Ready, Parade-Sharp

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ja’sean E. Walker, a rifleman with Guard Company at Marine Barracks Washington, fires his M-18 pistol during a training...

04

Precision in Motion

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jermaine J. Bailey, Supernumerary, conducts "ceremonial at ease" during drill practice at Marine Barracks Washington,...

05

Battle Color Detachment

U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, stands at attention during a Battle Color...

06

Precision in Motion

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Hannah N. McFadden, Senior Staff Swordsmen, conducts the second count of "present sword" from "order sword" during drill...

07

Alpha Company Takes Aim

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, Marine Barracks Washington, participates in Short Range Combat Marksmanship Training at Marine Corps Base Quantico,...

08

U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps takes on Phoenix

Marines with the "The Commandant's Own" U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, play music during a performance for WGI Phoenix at West Point High School in...

09

Silent Drill Platoon meet "Fat Albert"

U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon execute a drill sequence during the Blue Angels’ “Fat Albert” C-130J Super Hercules flyover at Marine...

10

Chesty XVI appears at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Phillip Meckna, dog handler at Marine Barracks Washington, gets interviewed during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog...

11

Bravo Company takes on TSULC

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington conduct a perimeter patrol during the Tactical Small Unit Leaders Course (TSULC) at...

12

Chief of Staff of the French Army visits Marine Barracks Washington

From left to right, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Logan Giger, operations officer with Marine Barracks Washington, Gen. Eric Smith, 39th Commandant of the...

13

Silent Drill Platoon Selection Graduation

U.S. Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon pose for a photo after the culmination of Silent Drill Selection, a six-week long course to determine the...

14

Marines Volunteer with Shirley Chrisholm Elementary

U.S. Marines with Marine Barracks Washington read to children at Shirley Chisholm Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Dec. 13, 2024. This was an...

CONNECT WITH US

Marine Barracks Leaders

Portrait of Col. Carrie Batson
Col. Carrie Batson
Commanding Officer

Colonel Batson began her military career after graduating from Pepperdine University in 1999.

Read Biography

Portrait of Lt. Col. Ryan C. Anness
Lt. Col. Ryan C. Anness
Executive Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan C. Anness is a native of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Read Biography

Portrait of Sgt. Maj. Jimmy F. Richard Jr.
Sgt. Maj. Jimmy F. Richard Jr.
Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major Jimmy F. Richard Jr. was born in Fontana, CA.

Read Biography