MCRD Parris Island SC

• Birthplace of Marine Recruits: Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island, South Carolina, has been the primary training location for enlisted Marines east of the Mississippi River since 1915. • Historic Roots: The island has a military history dating back to the Civil War and was originally a naval coaling station before being designated for Marine training. • Training Ground for Legends: Parris Island has trained over one million Marines, including Medal of Honor recipients and famous figures such as actor Drew Carey and astronaut John Glenn. • Iconic Yellow Footprints: Every recruit’s journey at Parris Island begins with standing on the “Yellow Footprints,” a rite of passage symbolizing the start of their transformation into a Marine. • Female Marines: In 1949, Parris Island became the first place to train female recruits. It remains the only Marine recruit depot where women are trained alongside men in integrated companies. • Legend of the Sand Fleas: Recruits often tell stories about the relentless sand fleas on Parris Island, considered by many as the island’s toughest “drill instructors.” • Hurricane Hazards: The depot’s coastal location makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, leading to several evacuations over the years, most notably during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. • Iron Mike Statue: The famous “Iron Mike” statue near the parade deck honors all Marines who have passed through Parris Island and is a popular site for photos after graduation. • Haunted History: The depot is rumored to be haunted, with stories of ghostly apparitions from the Civil War era and mysterious happenings in the historic buildings. • Historic Preservation: Many of the depot’s structures are on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its rich military heritage for future generations of Marines.