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Archibald Henderson

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Years of service
  
1806-1859

Name
  
Archibald Henderson


Parents
  
Alexander Henderson

Archibald Henderson httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsdd

Nickname(s)
  
"Grand old man of the Marine Corps"

Born
  
January 21, 1783Colchester, Fairfax County, Virginia (
1783-01-21
)

Battles/wars
  
War of 1812Indian warsMexican-American War

Died
  
January 6, 1859, Washington, D.C., United States

Place of burial
  
Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C., United States

Service/branch
  
Battles and wars
  
War of 1812, American Indian Wars, Mexican–American War

Allegiance
  
United States of America

Archibald Henderson (January 21, 1783 – January 6, 1859) was the longest-serving Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from 1820 to 1859. His name is learned by all recruits at Marine recruit training (Boot Camp) as the "Grand old man of the Marine Corps," serving in the United States Marine Corps for 53 years.

Contents

Archibald Henderson httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Biography

Archibald Henderson Marine Corps History The Archibald Henderson Era Semper Fi

Born in Colchester, Fairfax County, Virginia to successful merchant Alexander Henderson, Archibald Henderson was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on 4 June 1806 and served aboard USS Constitution during her famous victories in the War of 1812. He participated in several shipboard engagements and was decorated for bravery. He was brevetted a major in 1814.

Archibald Henderson Archibald Henderson Willed the Commandants Quarters To His Heirs

From 16 September 1818 to 2 March 1819, Henderson was the acting Commandant. On 17 October 1820, at age 37, Lt. Colonel Henderson was appointed the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He served for a little over 38 years, the longest of any officer to hold that position.

Archibald Henderson Escrito con Sangre El Website de los Asesinos julio 2015

Henderson is credited with thwarting attempts by President Andrew Jackson to combine the Marine Corps with the Army in 1829. Instead, Congress passed the Act for the Better Organization of the Marine Corps in 1834, ensuring the Marines would remain part of the United States Department of the Navy. He was promoted to colonel the same year.

Archibald Henderson Archibald Henderson FAQs 2017 Facts Rumors and the latest Gossip

He went into the field as Commandant during the Indian campaigns in Florida and Georgia during 1836 and 1837, and was promoted brevet brigadier general in 1843 for his actions in these campaigns. Tradition says that he pinned a note to his door: "Gone to Florida to fight the Indians. Will be back when the war is over."

Archibald Henderson Archibald Henderson 1783 1859 Find A Grave Memorial

Marines also served in the Mexican-American War during Henderson's tenure as Commandant. The sword presented to him at the war's end was inscribed, "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli", giving the opening words to the Marines' hymn.

Archibald Henderson died suddenly on 6 January 1859. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery. According to Marine lore, the Colonel Commandant had attempted to will his home — actually government-provided quarters in which he had lived for 38 years — to his heirs, having forgotten that they were government owned.

Legacy

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

Promotions

  • Second Lieutenant - 4 June 1806
  • First Lieutenant - 6 March 1807
  • Captain - 1 April 1811
  • Brevet Major - 1814
  • Lieutenant Colonel Commandant - 17 October 1820
  • Colonel Commandant - 1 July 1834
  • Brevet Brigadier General - 27 January 1837
  • References

    Archibald Henderson Wikipedia