As commandant, Colonel Archibald Henderson served as the leader of the Marine Corps. Yet, Col Henderson’s commitment led him to fight alongside his Marines in the Florida Indian War. In his straightforward manner, he left a simple note on his door: “Have gone to Florida to fight Indians. Will be back when war is over.”

In 1829, Henderson fought valiantly against President Andrew Jackson’s effort to abolish the Marine Corps. Henderson thwarted Jackson’s attempts, preserving and strengthening the Corps in the process with the Act for the Better Organization of the Marine Corps.

Henderson held the position of commandant for more than 39 years, outlasting nine presidents.