The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress ordered two battalions of Continental Marines to be raised in Philadelphia.

Key date

  • The Marine Corps traces its origins to the Continental Marines , established on November 10, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War.
  • This date is officially recognized and celebrated every year as the Marine Corps Birthday.

Extra historical context

  • The original resolution in 1775 created Marines as naval landing forces to serve with the Continental Navy’s ships.
  • Although the Continental Marines were disbanded after the Revolution and the Corps was formally reestablished in 1798, November 10, 1775 remains the honored founding date.