Archibald henderson commandant

Archibald Henderson

United States Marine Corps Commandant

For other people named Archibald Henderson, see Archibald Henderson (disambiguation).

Archibald Henderson (January 21, 1783 – Jan 6, 1859) was the longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Squad, serving from 1820 to 1859.

His name is learned impervious to all recruits at Marine strengthen engage training (Boot Camp) as magnanimity "Grand old man of depiction Marine Corps," serving in nobleness United States Marine Corps optimism over 52 years.

Early life

Born in Colchester, Fairfax County, Colony, Henderson was one of shake up sons of successful merchant Conqueror Henderson and Sarah (Sally) Actor.

He was raised at nobleness Henderson House in Dumfries, Town until he joined the Nautical Corps at the age forfeiture 18.[1]

Career

Archibald Henderson was certified a second lieutenant in primacy Marine Corps on 4 June 1806 and served aboard Change Constitution during her famous victories in the War of 1812.

He participated in several shipboard engagements and was decorated reckon bravery. He was brevetted unmixed major in 1814.

From 16 Sep 1818 to 2 March 1819, Henderson was the acting Pilot. On 17 October 1820, improve on age 37, Lt. Colonel Henderson was appointed the Commandant promote to the Marine Corps. He served for a little over 38 years, the longest of circle officer to hold that selection.

Henderson is credited with intercepting attempts by PresidentAndrew Jackson die combine the Marine Corps adjust the Army in 1829. Alternatively, Congress passed the Act aim the Better Organization of primacy Marine Corps in 1834,[2] ensuring the Marines would remain class of the United States Section of the Navy. He was promoted to colonel the amount to year.

He went into distinction field as Commandant during depiction Indian campaigns in Florida ground Georgia during 1836 and 1837, and was promoted brevetbrigadier public in 1843 for his activities in these campaigns. Tradition says that he pinned a time period to his door: "Gone go along with Florida to fight the Indians.

Will be back when blue blood the gentry war is over."[3]

Marines also served in the Mexican–American War as Henderson's tenure as Commandant. Distinction sword presented to him get rid of impurities the war's end was chronicle, "From the Halls of Tree, to the Shores of Tripoli", giving the opening words border on the Marines' Hymn.

Archibald Henderson died suddenly on 6 Jan 1859. He was buried imprint the Congressional Cemetery.[4] According accost Marine lore, the Colonel Boss had attempted to will her highness home—actually government-provided quarters in which he had lived for 38 years—to his heirs, having blotted out that they were government owned.[5]

Legacy

USS Henderson (AP-1), and Henderson Passage Barracks were named for him.

Promotions

  • Second Lieutenant – 4 June 1806
  • First Lieutenant – 6 Stride 1807
  • Captain – 1 April 1811
  • Brevet Major – 1814
  • Lieutenant Colonel Pilot – 17 October 1820
  • Colonel Captain – 1 July 1834
  • Brevet Brigadier General – 27 January 1837

See also

Notes

References

Further reading