Archibald Henderson
Archibald Henderson (
January 21,
1783 –
January 6,
1859) was the longest-serving
Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from 1820 to 1859. He is often referred to as the "Grand old man of the Marine Corps," serving in the Corps for 53 years
Born in
Fairfax County, Virginia, Henderson was commissioned in 1806. He served on the
USS Contitution during her famous victories in the
War of 1812. He participated in several shipboard engagements and was decorated for bravery.
From
September 16,
1818 to
March 2,
1819, Henderson was the acting Commandant. In 1820,
Lieutenant Colonel Henderson was appointed the fifth Commandant of the Corps.
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 went into the field as commandant during the
Indian campaigns in
Florida and
Georgia during 1836 and 1837, and was promoted
brevet brigadier general for his actions in these campaigns. Tradition holds that he pinned a note to his door that read, "Gone to Florida to fight the Indians. Will be back when the war is over."
Marines also fought during the
Mexican-American War during his tenure. The sword presented to Henderson upon completion of the action was inscribed with the words, "From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli" giving the opening words to the
Marines Corps hymn.
General Henderson died suddenly on
January 6,
1859. According to Marine lore, the Colonel Commandant had attempted to will his home — actually government-provided quarters — to his heirs. He is buried in the
Congressional Cemetery.
USS Henderson (AP-1), and Henderson Hall Barracks was named for him.
:This article incorporates
public domain text and image from
the official USMC biography.
