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 and I
"The 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 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

Finishing the 2024 Parade Season Strong

Cpl. Chase C. Coburn, U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, executes the “chaos” sequence during an Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington,...

02

Bravo Two Going Dark

Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., and Soldiers with the 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) execute advanced...

03

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Marines with the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard prepare to present the U.S. Flag during a retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington D.C.,...

04

Engage and Destroy

Marines with Bravo Company, Marine Barracks Washington D.C.maneuver for cover and concealment during military operations in urban terrain (MOUT)...

05

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Marines with the United States Marine Corps Body Bearers fire cannons during a retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2024.

06

Tuesday Sunset Parade

Marines with Marine Barracks Washington march into formation during a Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., June 28, 2022....

07

Bursting Bomb

Marines with The Silent Drill Platoon, execute the “bursting bomb” sequence during a Battle Color Detachment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station...

CONNECT WITH US

Marine Barracks Leaders

Col. Carrie Batson
Commanding Officer

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

Read Biography

Lt. Col. Ryan C. Anness
Executive Officer

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

Read Biography

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

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

Read Biography