Birth of the Corps     Nov. 10, 1775 Continental Congress establishes Marine Corps On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution, sponsored by John Adams, established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Paris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy's ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence. Nov. 28, 1775 John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, authorizes captain's commission for Samuel Nicholas, which tradition holds, was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. March 3, 1776 First amphibious raid: New Providence, Bahamas July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence signed April, 1783 Treaty of Paris; Marine Corps disbands shortly after treaty signed. Formal re-establishment of Marine Corps doesn't occur until 11 July, 1798. April 25-27, 1805 Capture of fortress at Derne, Tripoli Lt. Presley N. O'Bannon presented "Mameluke" sword for actions at Derne       The Official Catherine Bell Web Site Index Sign Guestbook        View Guestbook The Official Catherine Bell Web Site Gallery Index Catherine Bell Biography        Catherine Bell Filmography The Main Catherine Bell Gallery        Links CBell Mailing List        For Whom The BELL Tolls... JAG - OCBFC Chat Room        Catherine's Character Corner Gold Wings Globe & Anchor Shipper Gallery Index The Official Catherine Bell Lagniappe The USMC Information Archive The Official Catherine Bell Site Suggestion Box The Official Catherine Bell Fan Club The Official Catherine Bell Fan Club Newsletter Archives Email Webmistress