The Confederate States Marine Corps was formed 1st, March 1861 as a counterpart to the already proven United States Marine Corps.

Confederate Marines were to act as 'small arms men' on board naval vessels afloat and as ground troops and guard for navel installation ashore. They also would man the 'great guns' on ship and fortifications.

Recruiting for this fledgling Corps began in Montgomery, Alabama, which was the seat of the government for the Confederate States at that time. Soon afterwards it was decided to transfer Marines to Virginia to provide shipboard troops for the Confederate States Navy in and around the Chesapeake Bay and aboard the CSS 'Virginia'. After the engagement of the 'Virginia' with the SU 'Monitor' in Hampton Roads the Marines were commended for their coolness under fire by Admiral Buchanan.

As well as serving aboard Confederate States Navy ships Marines saw service as land troops in Virginia, particularly in the defence of Richmond and as part of Tucker's Naval Brigade during the Appomattox campaign, in North Carolina at Fort Fisher, Wilmington and in Benjamin Butler's campaign at Bermuda Hundred.

Marines of the Naval Brigade participated in the battle of Sailor's (Saylor's) Creek and were present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House