Archibald Henderson
The Grand Ole Man of the Marine Corps
Archibald Henderson, the fourth son of Alexander Henderson Sr, entered military service in 1806 at age 23. By age 37, he assumed the rank of Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps —the youngest officer to do so—and held that role for 38 years.
Archibald entered the Marine Corps with a commission as second lieutenant. In less than a year, he was promoted to first lieutenant. Known for his meritorious conduct, Archibald quickly rose through the marine ranks—captain in 1811 and major by brevit in 1814. Archibald was presented with a jeweled sword by the state of Virginia in recognition of his gallantry in the USS Constitution’s capture of the HMS Cyane and Levant in the War of 1812. He also received a silver medal from Congress.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Archibald Henderson entered military service at a young age and spent his lifetime helping to develop a strong reputation for the United States Marine Corps through his strong and steadfast leadership and political savvy. When Archibald was appointed Commandant, the Marine Corps was an auxiliary branch of the U.S. Navy that was in disarray. At one point, President Andrew Jackson tried to combine the Marines with the U.S. Army, which Archibald prevented by showing the capability and utility of the Corps fighting the Seminole and Creek Indians in 1836. In 1837, Archibald received a promotion to Brevet Brigadier General—the highest rank awarded for chivalry or meritorious conduct.
Archibald married Anne Marie Cazenove on October 17, 1823. Their wedding reception was held near the Marine Corps barracks. The couple would have nine children, three who died as infants. Their three sons followed in their father’s footsteps and entered military service.
Archibald believed in leading by example. He was held in such high regard that the Marine Corps barracks were named Henderson Hall and the ship USS Henderson was named in his honor in 1916. Even today, a painting of Archibald Henderson and Anne Marie Cazenove on their wedding day in 1823 hangs in the house of the Marine Corps Commandant.
Of Note
Achieved rank of Brevet Brigadier General and Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps
Commander of USS Wasp in 1807
Captain on USS Constitution in the War of 1812
The first American-born Commandant of the Marine Corps
Founding member of the Washington Monument Committee Commandant’s wedding reception, Washington Marine barracks, October 17, 1823
Commander of USS Wasp in 1807
Captain on USS Constitution in the War of 1812
The first American-born Commandant of the Marine Corps
Founding member of the Washington Monument Committee Commandant’s wedding reception, Washington Marine barracks, October 17, 1823
About the Images
A portrait of Archilbald Henderson in his military uniform hangs in Henderson Hall.
Archibald’s Oath of Allegiance when he entered military service on June 4, 1806
The capture of HMS Cyane and HMS Levant by the USS Constitution on February 20, 1815 during War of 1812
Painting of the wedding reception of Archibald and Anne Marie, Washington Marine barracks, October 17, 1823
Archibald’s presentation sword is part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The inscription on the solid gold hilt reads: “Presented by the State of Virginia to Col. Archibald Henderson of the Marine Corps of the U.S. in testimony of the high sense entertained by his native state of his gallantry & good conduct in the capture of the Cyane & Levant by the frigate Constitution on the 20th Feb. 1815 & of his patriotic service generally during the late war with Great Britain.”
Archibald’s Oath of Allegiance when he entered military service on June 4, 1806
The capture of HMS Cyane and HMS Levant by the USS Constitution on February 20, 1815 during War of 1812
Painting of the wedding reception of Archibald and Anne Marie, Washington Marine barracks, October 17, 1823
Archibald’s presentation sword is part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The inscription on the solid gold hilt reads: “Presented by the State of Virginia to Col. Archibald Henderson of the Marine Corps of the U.S. in testimony of the high sense entertained by his native state of his gallantry & good conduct in the capture of the Cyane & Levant by the frigate Constitution on the 20th Feb. 1815 & of his patriotic service generally during the late war with Great Britain.”