Birth of the Marine Corps
Less than a month after the Navy was created, the Second Continental Congress saw the need for Marines.
One of the lasting legacies of the Bicentennial was the recreation of historical buildings, enjoyed by Americans for many decades since.
Another key historic building deserves to be recreated: Tun Tavern, the hallowed birthplace of the Marine Corps.
Although Tun Tavern was destroyed in 1781, it lives on in the heart of all Marines. Every Marine recruit learns that the first Marines were recruited at Tun Tavern in 1775, and its image is burned in each Marine's memory. Each year on November 10, Marines worldwide toast the memory of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia as the acknowledged birthplace of the Corps.
Commonly known as "The Tun" in colonial times, the tavern’s history extends beyond the Marines. Constructed in 1686, The Tun was likely frequented by William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania and laid out Philadelphia only a few years before. The Tun was the birthplace of Freemasonry in America in 1731. In 1747, Tun Tavern was the founding location of one of the first immigrant aid societies, the St. Andrew’s Society. When George Washington was appointed to command the Continental Army in June 1775, the Continental Congress honored him at a banquet at Tun Tavern. In Fall 1775, the Naval Committee, headed by John Adams, met at The Tun and crafted the Articles of War to guide America’s new Navy. Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and many members of the Continental Congress met informally in Tun Tavern.
George Washington
John Adams
Credit for portraits: Independence National Historical Park
Benjamin Franklin
Birth of the Marine Corps
Less than a month after the Navy was created, the Second Continental Congress saw the need for Marines.
Ships for the Corps
The Marines’ 250th anniversary will be celebrated by gathering in the Delaware River ships with a special connection to the Marine Corps.
Land, Sea, Air
During the Marines 250th, Marine aviation can showcase their specialty, Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft, on the visiting Marine aviation vessels and locations on the banks of the Delaware.
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