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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.
8th & I
"Oldest Post of the Corps"

Master Sgt. Amy Horn, a French horn player with the U.S. Marine Band, explains to students what instrument she plays during a Music in the Schools presentation at Lafayette Elementary School here Oct. 26. For approximately five decades, the MITS program and “The President’s Own” musicians have brought education and entertainment to children through small instrumental group performances. The U.S Marine Band conducted more than 30 performances in D.C. area primary schools bringing music to approximately 5,000 students throughout the month of October. - Master Sgt. Amy Horn, a French horn player with the U.S. Marine Band, explains to students what instrument she plays during a Music in the Schools presentation at Lafayette Elementary School here Oct. 26. For approximately five decades, the MITS program and “The President’s Own” musicians have brought education and entertainment to children through small instrumental group performances. The U.S Marine Band conducted more than 30 performances in D.C. area primary schools bringing music to approximately 5,000 students throughout the month of October.

George Kidd, a Montford Point Marine, signs the guestbook at the conclusion of the last Friday Evening Parade of the season at Marine Barracks Washington Aug. 26, 2011. Kidd, along other original Montford Point Marines, was one of the guests of honor the event. In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine Corps. These African Americans, from all states, were not sent to the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Instead, African American Marines were segregated - experiencing basic training at Montford Point - a facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Approximately 20,000 African American Marines received basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.::r::::n:: - George Kidd, a Montford Point Marine, signs the guestbook at the conclusion of the last Friday Evening Parade of the season at Marine Barracks Washington Aug. 26, 2011. Kidd, along other original Montford Point Marines, was one of the guests of honor the event. In 1942, President Roosevelt established a presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited into the Marine Corps. These African Americans, from all states, were not sent to the traditional boot camps of Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California. Instead, African American Marines were segregated - experiencing basic training at Montford Point - a facility at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Approximately 20,000 African American Marines received basic training at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949.::r::::n::