Over the weekend, the U.S. Marine Corps Flag will be flying at our museum. The United States Marine Corps traces its roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed by Captain Samuel Nicholas by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775, to raise 2 battalions of Marines. That date is regarded and celebrated as the date of the Marine Corps birthday. On November 10, 1775, Captain Nicholas set up shop in the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, a long-established riverfront drinking and social establishment. Nichols appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter -- serving, of course, from his place of business at Tun Tavern. Prospective recruits flocked to the tavern, lured by (1) cold beer and (2) the opportunity to serve in the new Corps of Marines. So, yes, the U.S. Marine Corps was indeed born in Tun Tavern. Needless to say, both the Marine Corps and the tavern thrived during this new relationship. Tun Tavern burned down in 1781, near the end of the American Revolution. Its location is occupied by Interstate 95, where it passes along Penns Landing. Tun Alley once existed between Walnut and Chestnut Streets east of Front Street. A commemorative marker on the east side of Front Street indicates the site, across from Sansom Walk. There are modern Tun Taverns in Atlantic City and at Quantico Marine Base, but these are not the Marine Corps birthplace. Our museum extends a sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Marine friends, veterans and supporters.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Nov 2014 16:33:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015