The Marine Barracks Washington shares namesake and proximity with the capital city of United States, as well as the Washington Naval Yard. The barracks itself become operational in 1801, and was chosen by President Thomas Jefferson and Marine Corps Lt. Cl. William Ward Burrows, as they rode through town on horseback in attempt to find the proper site. As of 1806 it has been the home for every Marine commandant but the first two.

Also known as the "Oldest Post of the Corps", the building on 8th and I is the oldest continually occupied building located in within the capital's city limits. Though the Commandants house is the only original structure left standing on the site, the base is home to the Silent Drill Platoon, the Marine Band, the Drum and Bugle Corps, and Marine Corps Institute.

Duties of the Barracks include funeral escort for Marines and dignitaries, ceremonial honor guard for state functions, security forces for Camp David and White House Communications Agency, Friday Evening Parade and the Tuesday Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima Memorial, military correspondence course for Marines, and training for the maintenance and proficiency of Military Occupational Speciality, as well as emergency preparedness.

Due to the nature of activities and functions of the barracks, any Marine posted there must meet a strict size, weight, and height requirement and pass a background check.