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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.
Marine Barracks, 8th and I
Washington, D.C.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 2025. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines across the globe will commemorate this anniversary by honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served before them and by remaining faithful to the motto Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ford Higgins, platoon commander, United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Marine Barracks Washington, poses for a photo with his family following a performance at Greater Atlanta Christian High School during Marine Week Atlanta in Norcross, Ga., Aug. 28, 2025. The year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that highlights the legacy, transformation and enduring spirit of the Corps since 1775. Throughout the year, Marines across the globe will commemorate this anniversary by honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served before them and by remaining faithful to the motto Semper Fidelis. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Liddell, narrator for "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, prepares to address attendees during the opening ceremony of Modern Day Marine 2025 in Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025. Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition open exclusively to Marines, DoD, association partners, and authorized industry representatives. Marines with Marine Barracks Washington helped by participating in various aspects during the opening ceremony of this event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alex Liddell, narrator for "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, prepares to address attendees during the opening ceremony of Modern Day Marine 2025 in Washington, D.C., April 29, 2025. Modern Day Marine is the largest military equipment, systems, services and technology exposition open exclusively to Marines, DoD, association partners, and authorized industry representatives. Marines with Marine Barracks Washington helped by participating in various aspects during the opening ceremony of this event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Prelle)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Holmes, the primary rifle inspector with the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, poses with the ceremonial “silver buttons” after the Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., June 27, 2025. Once gold, the buttons have been polished repeatedly, turning silver over generations. These buttons are passed down through each rifle inspector, symbolizing discipline and unbroken legacy of the billet. Holmes is one of a select few to wear the silver brass, carrying the weight of tradition and the responsibility to uphold the Corps’ highest standards in every performance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Brianna Davidson)