Who was the first Commandant of the Marine Corps to be appointed by the President?

The first Commandant of the Marine Corps to be appointed by the President was William Ward Burrows. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the history of the Marine Corps, as it established a precedent for the selection of the Commandant, elevating the role to one that would be officially recognized and sanctioned by presidential authority. This was essential because it aligned the leadership of the Marine Corps more closely with the executive branch of the government, helping to solidify the Corps' role within the Department of the Navy and its operational framework.

Burrows served as Commandant from 1820 to 1821, during a time when the Marine Corps was still developing its identity and operational scope, and his presidency was important for laying the groundwork for future leadership in the Corps. Thus, his appointment is significant both historically and in the context of the Marine Corps' evolution.