Who was the first General Officer in the Marine Corps?

The first General Officer in the Marine Corps was Archibald Henderson. He served as the 5th Commandant of the Marine Corps and is often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps" due to his lengthy and impactful service from 1820 to 1859. Henderson played a pivotal role in organizing and expanding the Corps, and he led them through various conflicts, establishing many traditions and policies that shaped the Marine Corps into a more formidable fighting force.

Under his command, the Marine Corps saw significant growth, operational improvements, and a solidification of its role within the U.S. military framework. Henderson's contributions laid the groundwork for the development of the Marine Corps as a modern military organization. This historical significance is why he is recognized as the first General Officer in the Marine Corps.