Washington D.C. is home to the oldest active Marine Corp post, which was formed in 1801. This post, which is also known as Marine Corps Barracks was founded by President Thomas Jefferson and then Commandant of the Marine Corps Lt. Col William Burrows. The location of 8th & I was a result of President Jefferson choosing for its close proximity to the Capitol. Then the Marine Barracks was used to train new officers and recruits, but today it is home to the Commandant, the Marine Band, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Marine Color Guard,

The Battle of Fort Stevens took place in Washington D.C. on July 11th and 12th 1864 during the Civil War. When Confederates. which was led by General Jubal Early went through Maryland only to find thousands of troops were recalled to D.C. to defend it eventually forcing General Early to retreat Westward on July 12th. This battle was particularly interesting because Abraham Lincoln was able to watch it from Fort Stevens.