Mission
We make Marines by recruiting quality young men and women and transforming them through the foundations of rigorous basic training, our shared legacy and a commitment to our core values preparing them to win our nation’s battles in service to the country.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island also serves a dual role as the headquarters for the Eastern Recruiting Region.
History
During 1715, an Englishman named Colonel Alexander Parris purchased the large island and eight small surrounding islands. Marines were first stationed on Parris Island in 1891, in the form of a small security detachment headed by First Sergeant Richard Donovan. His unit was attached to the Naval Station, Port Royal the forerunner of Parris Island. Donovan's unit was highly commended for preserving life and property during hurricanes and tidal waves that swept over the island in 1891 and 1893. Military buildings and homes that were constructed between 1891 and World War I form the nucleus of the Parris Island Historic District. At the district center are the commanding general's home, a 19th-century wooden dry dock and a turn of the century gazebo -- all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
On Nov. 1, 1915, Parris Island was officially designated a Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Prior to 1929, all transportation to and from the island was by ferry from Port Royal docks to the Recruit Depot docks. In that year the causeway and a bridge over Archer's Creek were completed, thus ending the water transportation era. The causeway was dedicated as the General E. A. Pollock Memorial Causeway in April 1984.
From 1941 through 1945, 204,509 recruits were trained here. At the time of the Japanese surrender, more than 20,000 recruits were aboard the Depot. On February 15, 1949, a separate "command" was activated for the sole purpose of training female recruits. This command was designated the 4th Recruit Training Battalion and was the only battalion in the Corps to train female recruits. In June of 2023, this historical and beloved battalion was cermonially deactivated.
The Korean conflict began in 1950 when 2,350 recruits were in training. From then until the 1st Marine Division was withdrawn from Korea, Parris Island drill instructors trained more than 138,000 recruits. During March 1952, the peak training load of 24,424 recruits was reached. The recruit tide again flooded during the years of the Vietnam War. A peak training load of 10,979 was reached during March 1966. Today, about 19,000 recruits are trained at Parris Island each year.
Population
Beaufort County, South Carolina: 201,775
Location
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is located on Parris Island and several smaller islands approximately 4 miles south of the City of Beaufort, South Carolina. Beaufort is a high cost military town, which is home to three different military installations. The primary activity at MCRD is the training of Marine Corps recruits. The facility covers more than 8,000 acres, including more than 4,000 acres of salt marsh and tidal streams.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot is accessible by traveling either north or south on Hwy I-95. MCRD is approximately 45 miles from Savannah, Georgia and 90 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. Each of these cities has airports and car rentals available to travel to MCRD Parris Island. If driving to Parris Island please follow the signs toward Beaufort and/or Parris Island paying close attention as some of the signs are small or obstructed. Law enforcement officers patrol construction sites closely so please watch your speed. For resource and referral services, call the Information, Referral and Relocation Program Manager at 843-228-2371 or the Communication, Strategy and Operations Office at 843-228-4294.
Directions
There are no shuttles or public transportation from Charleston International Airport or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to MCRD Parris Island. If you need transportation from either airport upon arrival, please contact, The Depot Officer of the Day at 843-228-3712.
From Charleston International Airport To MCRD Parris Island
Leaving airport get on I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) heading South. When I-526 ends, take a right at the stop light. This will put you on US17 South. When you come to Jacksonboro you will veer to the left (still on US17 South) following signs to Beaufort. You will stay on US17 for approximately 50 miles altogether. At Garden's Corner, you will take a left on Hwy 21 South towards Beaufort. Take a right on Parris Island Gateway (Hwy 802). Follow Hwy 802 until the exit for MCRD Parris Island.
Beaufort from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport or from I-95 Northbound to MCAS
Leaving the airport get on I-95 North. Take Exit 8, Beaufort/Hilton Head to the right. Take left toward Beaufort on Hwy 170. After crossing Board River Bridge, merge to the right on Savannah Hwy. Then merge right onto Hwy 802, Parris Island Gateway. Take the exit to MCRD Parris Island.
From I-95 Southbound to MCRD Parris Island
- Take exit 33 for US-17 N toward Beaufort
- Take US-21 S/Trask Pkwy to Beaufort
- Turn right onto Parris Island Gateway
- The ramp to MCRD Parris Island will be on your right
From I-95 Northbound to MCRD Parris Island
- Take exit 8 for US-278 E toward Beaufort/Hilton Head Island
- Turn right onto US-278 E
- Turn left onto Argent Blvd
- Turn left onto SC-170 E/Okatie Hwy
- Turn right onto SC-128/Savannah Hwy
- Turn right onto Parris Island Gateway
- The ramp to MCRD Parris Island will be on your right
Base Transportation
To assist you in navigating Parris Island we offer a FREE tram service to and from major locations on base during our peak hours during graduation weeks. Please look for the tram stop identification signs and wait there for pick-up and drop-off.
Trams
Tram Hours of Operation:
- Thursday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 7 a.m. - until after Graduation
Complimentary trams offer transportation to event locations and parking areas. Trams run approximately 20 minutes apart. For questions about events, you may contact Recruit Families at 843-228-1667.
Contact Information
For resource and referral services aboard MCRD Parris Island or in the surrounding area, call the Information, Referral and Relocation Program Manager at 843-228-2371 or the Communication, Strategy and Operations Office at 843-228-4294.
