The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps is November 10, 1775. On that date, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines during the American Revolutionary War.
The congressional resolution called for two battalions of marines. Captain Samuel Nicholas became the first commandant, and John Adams helped nominate him. The earliest Marines were recruited in Philadelphia, traditionally associated with Tun Tavern, although historians have noted uncertainty about the precise location of the first recruiting activities.
The Continental Marines served at sea and ashore. In March 1776, they participated in the Battle of Nassau in the Bahamas, generally regarded as the first amphibious landing conducted by American forces. They also served alongside the Continental Army during later fighting.
The original corps ceased to exist after the Revolutionary War ended. Congress re-established a permanent Marine Corps on July 11, 1798, under President John Adams. The modern corps nevertheless celebrates November 10, 1775, as its founding birthday.