Charles Heywood was named the commandant after Charles McCawley retired. Unlike his successor, he was born in Maine. Heywood joined the corps before the Civil War.
In 1861, Heywood took part in the capture of two forts and also was aboard the Cumberland, better known as the Merimac.
It was under his term as commandant that the United States became involved in the {Spanish-American War]. This saw the Corps triple in size under Heywood's leadership. Due to this he was promoted to brigadier general and retired at age sixty-four, which became the requirement.
Information for this node was taken from http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Frequently_Requested/Commandants.htm and The United States Marines : A History which sits on my bookshelf. | 
