Major Samuel Nicholas, USMC
First Commandant
28 November 1775 - August 1783
Source: USMC History Division
Samuel Nicholas was the first officer commissioned in the Continental Marines, and, by tradition, is considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was born in Philadelphia in 1744.
His commission as a captain, signed by John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was dated 28 November 1775, 18 days after the recognized birth of the Corps itself. Promoted to major in June 1776, Nicholas led his small Corps with distinction throughout the Revolution, including command of the landing force which captured New Providence and service with Washington's army at the Battle of Princeton. With the disbandment of the Marine Corps and Navy at the end of the Revolution, Major Nicholas returned to civilian life.
He continued to reside in Philadelphia, dying there on 27 August 1790, and was buried in the Society of Friends Cemetery.
To learn more about the history of the Marine Corps, visit the official website of The United States Marine Corps History Division.
