Colonel (Brevet Brigadier General) Archibald Henderson

On 17 October 1820, at the age of 37, Lieutenant Colonel Henderson was appointed the fifth Commandant of the Marine Corps. It was a position he would hold for more than 38 years, outlasting nine presidents, including Andrew Jackson.

Henderson was best remembered for 1836 war with the Creek and Seminole Indian tribes in Georgia and Florida, who were waging war against the United States. As Commandant of the Marines, Henderson offered the services of a regiment of Marines for duty with the Army already entrenched there. Henderson placed himself in command and headed to Florida. On his office door he penned a simple note:

"Have gone to Florida to fight Indians. Will be back when war is over."

A. Henderson

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