Marine Corps Base Quantico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marine Corps Base Quantico |
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| Quantico, Virginia in the United States | |
The Capital Marine Detachment, Marine Corps League, presents the 32nd annual USMC Enlisted Awards Parade and Presentation at MCB Quantico in 2014
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 MCB Quantico
MCB Quantico
MCB Quantico
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| Coordinates | 38°30′7″N 77°18′21″W / 38.50194°N 77.30583°W |
| Type | Marine Corps training base |
| Area | 55,148 acres (22,318 ha; 86.169 sq mi; 223.18 km2) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Department of Defense |
| Operator | US Marine Corps (USMC) |
| Controlled by | Marine Corps Installations Command |
| Condition | Operational |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1917 |
| In use | 1917 – present |
| Events | Warrior Games (2015) |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander |
Colonel Michael L. Brooks |
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| Official name | Quantico Marine Corps Base Historic District |
| Designated | 26 March 2001 |
| Reference no. | 01000260 |
| Periods of significance |
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| Areas of significance |
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| Designated | 16 June 1999 |
| Reference no. | 287-0010 |
Marine Corps Base Quantico (often called MCB Quantico) is a large base for the United States Marine Corps. It is located near Triangle, Virginia, and covers about 55,148 acres. This area includes parts of Prince William County, Virginia, Stafford County, and Fauquier County.
MCB Quantico is mostly used for training Marines. It is known as the "Crossroads of the Marine Corps" because so much important training happens here.
Quantico Station is a special area within the base. It is where many military families live. In 2010, about 4,452 people lived there.
The base is home to the U.S. Marine Corps' Combat Development Command. This group creates new plans and ideas for how Marines fight. Over 12,000 military members and civilians, including their families, work here. Quantico also hosts the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. This is where future Marine officers get their training.
The Marine Corps Research Center at Quantico works on new equipment. They focus on things like telecommunications for the Marine Corps. The FBI Academy, where FBI agents train, is also on the base. So is the main training center for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
In 2001, the base was recognized as a Historic District. This means it has many important old buildings and areas. These places are protected because of their history.
Contents
History of Quantico Base
Early Days Before the Base
The land where Quantico Base now stands is near the Potomac River. Long ago, in the 1500s, the Patowomacks people lived here. The name "Quantico" may come from their language. It is thought to mean "by the large stream." European explorers first visited in 1608. People started settling here later that year.
In the 1700s, the area became important for trading tobacco. Many small towns grew along the river. It was also a busy stop for travelers going between New York and Florida. The first military presence was during the American Revolutionary War. Quantico Creek became a naval base for Virginia's fleet.
In 1816, a group of Marines got stuck in ice on the Potomac River. They had to walk to a town called Dumfries, Virginia. There, they met Captain Archibald Henderson. He helped them by arranging a wagon for their journey.
During the American Civil War, controlling the Potomac River was very important. The Confederates set up cannons near Quantico Creek. This helped them stop Union ships from using the river. One of these cannon sites is now part of the Marine Corps Systems Command. Another site, Tennessee Camp, is now a historic place.
After the war, railroads became very important. In 1872, the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad was built. It connected several railroads at Quantico Creek. This railroad still runs through the base today. The village that grew up around the railroad was also called "Quantico." It became a popular place for tourists and fishing.
How the Base Was Established
Before the base, the land belonged to the Town of Quantico. In the early 1900s, Quantico was a popular spot for day trips. People came from Washington and Richmond by boat and train. There was a beach with changing rooms and places to buy snacks. In one week in 1916, 2,600 visitors came to Quantico.
Around 1916, the Quantico Company tried to bring more businesses to the area. Shipyards were built to make large cargo ships and oil tankers. With war tensions rising in Europe, building U.S. Navy ships was a big business.
At the same time, Major General George Barnett was the head of the Marine Corps. He sent a team to find a new base location near Washington, D.C.
In 1917, Marine Barracks, Quantico was created. It started with 91 enlisted Marines and four officers. Thousands of Marines trained here during World War I. The Commanding General's Quarters was built in 1920. It is now a historic site.
By 1920, the Marine Corps schools were founded. Colonel Smedley Butler wanted to make the base a "great university." These schools became today's Marine Corps University. Almost all Marine officers get their basic training here.
The first Marine Aircraft Wing was developed at Quantico. Also, the first helicopter squadron, Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), was formed here. This squadron was the first to fly Presidents of the United States (known as "Marine One"). They still do this important job today.
In 1934, new ways of fighting on land and sea were developed here. These "Amphibious Warfare" techniques were very important for winning battles in World War II. Quantico trained over 15,000 officers in these methods.
In 1942, the government bought over 50,000 more acres. This made the base much larger. The extra land was needed for training areas during World War II.
In 1987, the Marine Corps Development and Education Command changed its name. It became the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. In 2015, the base hosted the first Warrior Games. This event is for wounded military athletes.
Important Units and Training Centers
The Combat Development Command is a key part of the Marine Corps. It creates new strategies for Marine combat. This command, along with its many military and civilian staff, is based here.
Quantico is also home to the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. This is where future Marine officers begin their journey. The Marine Corps Research Center at Quantico works on new equipment. They focus on things like communication technology for the Marines.
The base is a historic district. It includes many important buildings and sites. These include Tennessee Camp, Camp French, and the Commanding General's Quarters.
Quantico is the site of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command. It also hosts Marine Helicopter 1 (HMX-1). HMX-1 was the first helicopter squadron to fly U.S. Presidents. They continue this mission today.
Other important groups and schools at Quantico include:
- Marine Corps Embassy Security Group: Trains Marines to protect U.S. embassies.
- Marine Corps Marathon: The base helps organize this famous race.
- Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory: Tests new ideas for fighting.
- Marine Corps Recruiting Command: Manages Marine recruiting efforts.
- Marine Corps Systems Command: Develops and buys new equipment for Marines.
- Marine Corps Training and Education Command: Oversees all Marine training.
- The Basic School: Where new Marine officers learn their basic skills.
- Marine Corps University: Provides higher education for Marines.
- Marine Corps Cyber Operations Group: Focuses on cyber security for the Marines.
- Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment: Supports wounded Marines.
- The Quantico Marine Band: A musical group that performs for the base and public.
Other Agencies and Facilities
MCB Quantico is also home to major training centers for federal law enforcement. These include:
- Defense Intelligence Agency: A U.S. intelligence agency.
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (Headquarters): Works to protect national security.
- Drug Enforcement Administration training academy: Trains DEA agents.
- FBI Academy: The main training center for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT): A special FBI tactical unit.
- FBI Laboratory: Provides forensic science services.
- Marine Raider Museum: A museum about Marine special operations.
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service Headquarters: Investigates crimes in the Navy and Marine Corps.
- United States Naval Community College: Offers college courses to service members.
A smaller copy of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial is at the base entrance. This memorial shows the famous flag-raising on Iwo Jima during World War II. The original memorial is in Arlington, Virginia.
Larson Gym was a large building used for sports. It opened in 1953 and was named after Colonel Swede Larson. It was later used by the Marine Corps Museum and the band. It was taken down around 2018.
The town of Quantico is surrounded by the Marine Corps Base and the Potomac River. You can only get to the town through the base, the Amtrak train station, or by boat.
Images for kids
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Location of Quantico Base in Prince William County, Virginia.
See also
In Spanish: Quantico Station (Virginia) para niños
