Birth of John Marshall
John Marshall was born on September 24, 1755, in Germantown, Virginia. He was the eldest of fifteen children in a family that valued education and public service.
1755
1775
Military Service in the American Revolutionary War
John Marshall joined the Continental Army and served as a lieutenant in the 11th Virginia Regiment. He participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown.
1780
Admission to the Bar
After studying law under the guidance of George Wythe, John Marshall was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1780, beginning his legal career.
1782
Election to the Virginia House of Delegates
John Marshall was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served multiple terms and became known for his legal acumen and dedication to public service.
1788
Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
John Marshall played a significant role in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, advocating for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. His efforts were instrumental in securing Virginia's support for the new federal government.
1797
Diplomatic Mission to France
John Marshall was appointed as a special envoy to France during the XYZ Affair, where he demonstrated his diplomatic skills and upheld American interests in the face of French demands.
1799
Election to the U.S. House of Representatives
John Marshall was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served a brief term before being appointed Secretary of State.
1800
Appointment as Secretary of State
President John Adams appointed John Marshall as Secretary of State, a position in which he served with distinction, handling complex foreign policy issues.
1801
Appointment as Chief Justice of the United States
John Marshall was appointed as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States by President John Adams. His tenure began on February 4, 1801, marking the start of a transformative period for the Supreme Court.
1803
Marbury v. Madison Decision
In the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, John Marshall established the principle of judicial review, asserting the Supreme Court's authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.
1810
Fletcher v. Peck Decision
John Marshall's ruling in Fletcher v. Peck reinforced the sanctity of contracts and limited state interference in private contracts, further defining the role of the judiciary.
1819
McCulloch v. Maryland Decision
In McCulloch v. Maryland, John Marshall upheld the implied powers of Congress and reinforced federal supremacy over state laws, shaping the balance of power within the federal system.
1821
Cohens v. Virginia Decision
John Marshall's decision in Cohens v. Virginia asserted the Supreme Court's jurisdiction to review state court decisions, ensuring federal oversight of state legal matters.
1824
Gibbons v. Ogden Decision
In Gibbons v. Ogden, John Marshall expanded the interpretation of the Commerce Clause, granting the federal government broad regulatory power over interstate commerce.
1832
Worcester v. Georgia Decision
John Marshall's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia affirmed the sovereignty of Native American nations and limited state authority over their lands, though the decision was controversially ignored by President Andrew Jackson.
1835
Death of John Marshall
John Marshall passed away on July 6, 1835, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His legacy as a foundational figure in American constitutional law endures to this day.
