Marine Corps Places

Sign titled "The Yard as Home" in the Charlestown Navy Yard. This sign describes the different residences located in the Navy Yard.

Sign titled "Life and Work in the Navy Yard in 1812" in the Charlestown Navy Yard. This sign shows a 19th century landscape view of the Navy Yard, highlighting places of residence at the Yard.

Home to the War Department in the 1790s, the museum highlights the history of the Continental Army, Navy and Marines. The building was constructed by members of the Carpenters' Company and today houses a memorial that pays tribute to the members of the U.S. Marine Corps who lost their lives during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

As one of the original entry points to the Charlestown Navy Yard, Gate 1 has played a vital role to the operation of the Yard. It acted as the main entrance to this major naval facility, and here U.S. Marines monitored the entry of vehicles, workers, and visitors to the yard. Today, Gate 1 serves as a pedestrian entrance to the Navy Yard for visitors and Charlestown residents alike.

Built by the Marines between 1810-1811, the Marine Barracks is the oldest extant Marine Corps structure in the United States. This building acted as the lodging place for the U.S. Marines guarding the Navy Yard, as well as temporary quarters for Marines serving aboard warships coming in and out of Boston. Here, Marines could also find a barbershop, post exchange, chaplain’s office, movie theater, brig, and pistol range. The Marines served the Yard until its closure in 1974.