250th Coin Series #5-Civil War

Description

1860-1880  

As the nation was torn apart by the combined political and moral issues of slavery and states’ rights, the Marine Corps also experienced division. The Marine Corps and Confederate Marines would see action at sea on blockade duty along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and ashore at battles such as Manassas and Fort Fisher.  At the battle of Drewry’s Bluff on the James River outside Richmond, Va., Corporal John F. Mackie became the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor. 

Following the Civil War, the mission of the Corps came into question, yet the reunited Marine Corps would continue to defend the nation’s interests across the globe.