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Parris Island

Parris Island, South Carolina, is among the most famous of the state' s Sea Islands. Its chief claim to fame is the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot. As the headquarters for the Eastern recruiting region of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot trains all female recruits in the nation and all male recruits east of the Mississippi River. Approximately 20,000 new Marines graduate from the Parris Island Marine Corps Depot annually. With more than 100,000 visitors a year, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island is said to be among the most visited military installations anywhere.

First stop for visitors entering the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot is the Douglas Visitors Center. The Visitors Center bears the name of the late Paul H. Douglas, who completed Marine recruit training in 1942...at the age of 50. One of the official greeters at Parris Island is Lance Corporal Mac, the English bulldog who serves as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot's mascot. Music for graduation ceremonies is provided by the Parris Island Marine Band.

Parris Island is also home to the Parris Island Museum, located at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The Parris Island Museum not only pays tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, it also traces the military history of Parris Island from the 16th century to the present. Among the other attractions at Parris Island are The Legends of Parris Island golf course, an 18-hole military golf course open to the public, and the Charlesfort-Santa Elena National Historic Landmark, which recognizes the French and Spanish colonial sites that existed there in the 1500s. The area has yielded numerous archaeological finds, including Indian artifacts dating back 10,000 years.

Parris Island is located near Beaufort, South Carolina. The nearest major airport to Parris Island is the Savannah International Airport.

Parris Island Admission Fees
Entrance to Parris Island is free. Visitors will be issued a 24-hour pass at the only gate to the military base. Drivers must present a valid driver's license and provide proof of vehicle registration and automobile insurance.

Parris Island , South Carolina Hours
The public is allowed to visit Parris Island between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Visitors desiring to enter the base during the overnight hours are required to have a military sponsor, who will notify the personnel at the front gate of expected arrival times.

Parris Island Contact Information
Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island
29905 Douglas Visitors Center:
(843) 228-3650
Parris Island Museum: (843) 228-2951
www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/