"Hail to the Chief" - "The President's Own" United States Marine Band

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On May 29, 1829, the Marine Band performed at a ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone for the C&O canal's first lock at a site about six miles north of Georgetown. This marked a significant step forward in the construction of the canal and President Andrew Jackson attended the important event. Following the ceremony and a light meal, President Jackson departed as the Marine Band played the popular patriotic tune "Hail to the Chief'” in his honor. The Baltimore Patriot reported on the president's departure, "On entering his carriage, the band attached to the Marine Corps, which had previously gratified the assemblage with the performance of some national airs, struck up the air of 'Hail to the Chief,' a sentiment which was responded by three enthusiastic spontaneous bursts of acclamation from the assembled multitude." This was the first documented performance of "Hail to the Chief' by the Marine Band to honor the President of the United States. Likely selected because of its popularity and its association with a nautical theme (it was composed by Englishman James Sanderson in the manner of an old Scottish sorrain or boating song), its lyrics honoring a highly revered leader must have made it seem most appropriate to perform for the President upon his departure. This was the beginning of the great American tradition of honoring the President and announcing his presence with "Hail to the Chief."

All photos courtesy of the respective Presidential Libraries and the White House.

More Marine Band history: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/About/Our-History/

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