On this day To the shores of Tripoli

[John A Silkstone]

On this day in 1805, After marching 500 miles from Egypt, a small force of U.S. Marines and Berber mercenaries entered Derna, Tripoli and captured it thus deposed Yusuf Karamanli, the ruling pasha. This event is also noted in the Mariens’ hymn: ‘From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli’.

The hymn's lyrics reflect the Corps values, pride and the various campaigns in which the U.S. Marine Corps has participated. For example, "From the halls of Montezuma" refers to Marine participation in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), during which the Marines fought their way from Vera Cruz to Mexico City under the leadership of General Winfield Scott. "To the shores of Tripoli" refers to Marine participation in the war against the pirates of the Barbary States (1801-1805), during which they marched across 500 miles of Libyan Desert with a group of Navy men and others, to capture the port city of Derna, Tripoli.

Silky

 

[Reloader]

On this day in 1805, After marching 500 miles from Egypt, a small force of U.S. Marines and Berber mercenaries entered Derna, Tripoli and captured it thus deposed Yusuf Karamanli, the ruling pasha. This event is also noted in the Mariens’ hymn: ‘From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli’.

I believe that this is the origin of the tradition of U.S. Marines officers wearing the mameluke sword, when one was presented to the marines OC as a mark of gratitude?