US Marine Band's First Public Concert

Item

Title

US Marine Band's First Public Concert

Description

On August 21, 1800, the Marine Band gave its first public concert in Washington on a hill overlooking the area which became the National Mall. At the time, the band probably consisted of two oboes, two clarinets, two French horns, a bassoon, and a drum. The United States Marine Band was created by an Act of Congress in 1798 to provide music for the President. When the seat of government moved from Philadelphia to Washington in 1800, the Band followed, performing for President Adams at the unfinished White House on New Year's Day 1801.

Date

08/21/1800
18000821

Coverage

1800-1829

Type

Concert

Source

Defense Department, courtesy of U.S. Marine Band.

topic

military history
work & play

Item sets