Derna
The small, attractive coastal town of Derna is situated around the outlet of an attractive wadi with steep sides covered by lush vegetation. Derna played a prominent role both during the Tripolitanian War (1801–1805) and in World War II. The 19th-century battle of Derna has a unique place in the memory of the United States Marine Corps. It was the first land engagement of American troops outside the American continent and the trek across the desert is commemorated in the Marine hymn “To the Shores of Tripoli”. On April 25th, 1805, the town was attacked from land and sea by the American Navy, and captured two days later. The victory ended the war between the Barbary State of Tripolitania and the United States of America. Today, Derna is an important center for the export of wool, corn, wax, honey and bananas. The port provides also the starting point for exciting excursions to sites of antiquity and World War II.