About CSMC

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CSMC

On March 16, 1861, just one month after the creation of the Confederate Provisional Government, the Navy Department was authorized to create the Confederate States Marine Corps. Initially intended to be a battalion of 6 companies commanded by a major, this organization benefited by "old corps" officers who resigned their U. S. commissions and offered their services to the South. An amendatory act was passed on May 20, 1861 to enlarge the Corps to 10 companies commanded by a colonel with an end strength of 1,072 Marines. Unfortunately, the peak strength of the Confederate Marines mustered less than 600.

Despite its relatively small size, the CSMC distinguished itself in many ways throughout the war by defending shore installations, embarking on ships, and engaging in numerous battles with enemy land forces when the need arose. Due to a lack of able-bodied seamen in the Confederate Navy, rebel Marines were called upon to maintain discipline and man the deck guns of the ship more so than in the US Marines. In addition, the CS Marines was seen as a unique organization that could be relied upon to take on special assignments when the need arose and carried out these varied duties with a high degree of success despite its small numbers. A Confederate Marine was trained as an infantry sharpshooter, an artillerist, and as a guard. He was expected to work on a ship as a member of the cannon crew, as a sharpshooter or guard. The training took place at a camp outside Richmond, Virginia called Drewry’s Bluff. They served with distinction at the First Battle of Bull, Fort Fischer, and Sailor’s Creek.

The highest ranking officer in the Confederate States Marine Corps was Colonel. At the beginning of the Civil War, many commissions as Lieutenant and 2^nd Lieutenant were given to the sons of wealthy Southern statesmen. This fact eroded morale and discipline among the veterans that had served in the Mexican War.

Some lesser known facts about Confederates States Marines were:

Several of the gun crews on the CSS Virginia, also known as the CSS Merrimac, were Marines where the coolness of the Marines was noted in Admiral Buchanan’s report of the battle.

Sgt George Stephenson was the only Marine, Federal or Confederate, to command a ship of war in the War for Southern Independence.

Twenty nine Marines were present when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House.

If you would like to know about the Confederate States Marine Corps, please come out to our reenactments, visit with us and learn some more.