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The Marines were used to conduct two amphibious landings during the American Revolution . They landed twice in Nassau , in the Bahamas , to seize naval stores from the British . The First Landing , led by a Captain Nicholas, consisted of 250 Marines and sailors who landed in New Providence , in the Bahamas ; there they wreaked much damage and seized naval stores. The second landing, led by a Lieutenant Trevet, landed at night and captured several ships along with the naval stores. A Marine battalion also fought alongside the Continental Army in the Battle Of Princeton . The Continental Marines' first and only Commandant was Major Samuel Nicholas and the first Marine Barracks were located in Philadelphia. The first recruiting station was a bar called Tun Tavern . Four additional Marine Security Companies were also raised and helped George Washington defend Philadelphia . THE CONTINENTAL MARINE ACT In accordance with the Continental Marines Act of 1775, the Congress decreed "That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines." SEE ALSO |