1915: Parris Island Established

Marine Corps training is legendary, but the recruit training that exists today didn't begin until 1911. Major General William P. Biddle, the 11th Commandant of the Marine Corps, formalized and intensified the training, raising the bar for what it takes to become a United States Marine. 
 
In 1915, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island became the first base dedicated to the sole purpose of training. It has been in continuous use since then, and is now one of only two bases where enlisted Marines are made. 
 
As WWI broke out, 41,000 recruits trained at Parris Island, and the base has accommodated as many as 250,000 recruits during the Vietnam War. Parris Island began training female recruits in 1949. 
 
Marine Corps recruits are still trained and transformed at Parris Island today, where approximately 20,000 Marines graduate each year.