Twenty-five pairs of shining, black dress shoes paused at the blood-red carpet before entering the historic residence that sits on the corners of 8th and I streets in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 2013.

Marines from Marine Helicopter Squadron 1, aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico toured the house and grounds as a professional military educational field trip.

“Welcome to the commandant’s house, it’s nice to have you here,” said a smiling young tour guide clad in the Marine blue dress “D”.

Marines from HMX 1entered the 212-year-old national historic landmark eager to learn more about the Corps they serve and the Marines from years gone by who have contributed to make it what it is.

“It’s the history of the Marine Corps,” said Cpl. Jonathan Walker, HMX-1 HQTRS operations clerk. “It’s a pretty awesome feeling to see what’s happened in the history of the Corps.”

The group of Marines had the opportunity to view three stories of the commandant’s residence- which has housed every Marine Corps commandant since 1775- meet Sgt. Chesty XIII, the official Marine Corps mascot, and tour the grounds of Marine Barracks Washington.

“I enjoyed it very much, said Lance Cpl. Joe Graham, administrative assistant. “I learned a lot.”

The group was ushered through the oldest active post in the Marine Corps by a team of Marine tour guides who showed them various items including John Philip Sousa’s baton and a book signed by Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller.

The Marines also visited the Officer’s Center House which is a social lounge for officers and their guests. The house contains mugs used by President Thomas Jefferson and every president since.

“It was pretty awesome to see everything,” said Walker. “There is a lot of history [here].”

For the Marines of HMX1, a 45-minute drive turned into a trip that took them hundreds of years away and back. 

“Everyone should come here, said Walker. “Especially if they are in the Marine Corps.”

Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil