Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is highlighting 250 years of service to the nation by celebrating its birthday throughout 2025. USACE was established on June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the first Chief Engineer to oversee the construction of fortifications and other military infrastructure.

Over the centuries, USACE has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, responding to the nation’s most complex challenges with unmatched expertise and dedication.

From constructing fortifications during the Revolutionary War to building the infrastructure that saw America grow as a military and economic powerhouse, USACE’s mission has always been clear: deliver engineering solutions for the nation’s toughest challenges.

For the past 250 years, as the nation expanded USACE’s missions expanded as well to meet the needs of the country. Flood risk mitigation, navigation, water supply, environmental restoration, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the nation’s warfighters and emergency response were all areas added to USACE’s responsibilities.

Today, USACE continues to be the nation’s leader in engineering, environmental, and water resources management.

USACE is responsible for:

Operating and maintaining over 700 dams and reservoirs, which provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power to millions of Americans.
Maintaining over 12,000 miles of inland waterways, which facilitate the transportation of goods and commerce.
Managing over 150 million acres of public lands, which provide habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the public.
Providing emergency response and recovery support to communities affected by natural disasters.
Conducting research and development to help solve the nation’s most challenging problems in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the Army, Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and the nation’s public good.

“For 250 years, the Corps of Engineers has been working to safely deliver quality projects on schedule and within budget,” said Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham, 56th Chief of Engineers and commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I am proud to be a part of this elite organization, and I’m extremely proud of the 40,000 committed USACE teammates who wake up every day to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges.”

To commemorate this milestone, the USACE will be participating in events and activities, nationwide throughout the year, including ceremonies, exhibits, and community outreach programs. Learn more about USACE’s 250^th activities at www.usace.army.mil/250th, and follow us on social media at:

X - @USACEHQ
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/USACEHQ
Instagram – www.instagram.com/usacehq
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army-corps-of-engineers/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CORPSCONNECTION

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Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026, let’s make water safety a top priority. 🛟Always wear your life jacket and make sure its fits 🛟Learn how to swim 🛟Never drink and boat Practice water safety every time you are in, on, or near the water! #LifeJacketsWornNobodyMourns

Low-head dams are found on waterways throughout the U.S. Before you the hit watery trails, review the Low-Head Dam Inventory to see if there’s a dam on your route. Learn more: https://t.co/dbzMfptnor #damsafety https://t.co/ZjrOVldPiM

RT @StPaulUSACE: Skid-steers hard at work preparing the chamber for critical maintenance and inspections during a dewatering at Lock and Da…

RT @USArmy: 📰 Year in Review: Warfighting is the Army’s top priority Our Soldiers prove they are ready to fight and win, at home and abroa…

RT @ArmyCorpsNAD: Our @europedistrict is constructing a new Operational Readiness Training Complex in Grafenwoehr, #Germany. On Friday, we…

RT @ArmyERDC: The @StPaulUSACE and ERDC are collaborating in a groundbreaking study to make informed, data-driven decisions about using riv…

RT @europedistrict: Today, leaders from @IMCOMEurope, @7thATC , #USACE, @USAGBavaria, the German construction authority and other project p…

Low-head dams can be dangerous for waterway users. They are hard to identify and can cause harm if you end up caught in their current. Locate low-head dams near you and learn more: https://t.co/6bo3k0pM4a #damsafety https://t.co/maYwiOm0Pu

RT @StPaulUSACE: Bill Schmidt, natural resources specialist, describes his position at #EauGalle Recreation Area in #SpringValley, #Wiscons…

RT @AtlantaCorps: The South Atlantic Division extends congratulations to Jason Krick, Mobile District Chief of Engineering, for being named…

RT @LADistrictUSACE: The USACE Los Angeles District joined Air Force officials Dec. 16 to mark the start of construction on a new KC-46 Peg…

RT @USACERockIsland: Lock 19 on the Mississippi River at Keokuk, Iowa, is now closed for winter maintenance. The lock is expected to reopen…

RT @USACE_NY: 🏗️ We are delivering world‑class engineering solutions for federal partners, including VA & West Point. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/A4a5W…

Ho, Ho, Ho!!! Santa is making a list and checking it twice to see who has been naughty or nice, so hopefully you have been good this year and wore your life jacket when in, on, and near open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.). #LifeJacketsWornNobodyMourns https://t.co/mO74fgH2tT

RT @FEMARegion10: Our Regional Response Coordination Center is coordinating with the state on their requests, including support from partne…

RT @FEMARegion10: As state, tribal and local officials in Washington lead lifesaving and life-sustaining response efforts for recent severe…

We all know the Twelve Days of Christmas, but have you heard of the Twelve Days of Water Safety? This festive holiday jingle is not only fun to sing, if you follow its tips, it could help save your life! Happy Holidays and @PleaseWearIt! https://t.co/bisYhQwxxc

RT @USACEWilmington: One of the largest debris removal missions in NC history is complete. 🔹 9M+ cubic yards removed 🔹 23 counties supporte…

RT @StPaulUSACE: In celebration of our 250th anniversary we #TBT to December 15, 1941, eight days after the attack on #PearlHarbor, when th…

Support continues in response to back-to-back atmospheric rivers impacting most of Western Washington. Shown: @SeattleDistrict's Emergency Management deliver flood-fighting materials in Pacific, WA, such as HESCO barriers, a sandbag machine and sandbags, Dec. 10. https://t.co/qtKmjb1cAk

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kicks Off Year Long Celebration of 250 Years of Service to the Nation

By Patrick Bloodgood

USACE HQ Public Affairs Office

Published Jan. 22, 2025

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Over the centuries, USACE has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, responding to the nation’s most complex challenges with unmatched expertise and dedication.

Today, USACE continues to be the nation’s leader in engineering, environmental, and water resources management.

USACE is responsible for:

Operating and maintaining over 700 dams and reservoirs, which provide flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power to millions of Americans.
Maintaining over 12,000 miles of inland waterways, which facilitate the transportation of goods and commerce.
Managing over 150 million acres of public lands, which provide habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the public.
Providing emergency response and recovery support to communities affected by natural disasters.
Conducting research and development to help solve the nation’s most challenging problems in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the Army, Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and the nation’s public good.