Located in the heart of colonial Philadelphia, Tun Tavern was more than just an ordinary tavern—it was a place where history was made. Famous for being the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps and playing a central role in colonial American life, Tun Tavern was a gathering place for revolutionaries, soldiers, and prominent figures in American history. Although the original building no longer stands, the legacy of Tun Tavern remains an enduring part of American culture.
Address:
Tun Tavern was located at:
Front Street and Tun Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(This is near where the I-95 highway currently runs, and close to the Delaware River waterfront in modern-day Philadelphia.)
The Origins of Tun Tavern
The Founding of Tun Tavern
Tun Tavern was established in 1685 by Samuel Carpenter, a prominent merchant in colonial Philadelphia. Situated on the corner of Front Street and Tun Alley, the tavern quickly became a popular gathering spot for locals, merchants, and visitors to the bustling port city. Its location near the Delaware River made it a convenient stop for sailors, traders, and travelers arriving by ship.
The name “Tun Tavern” comes from the word “tun,” a large cask used to store beer or other liquids. Taverns were an essential part of social life in the American colonies, serving as places where people could eat, drink, and discuss the important matters of the day. Tun Tavern was no exception. Its central location in Philadelphia made it a hub for political discussions, business deals, and social gatherings.
Colonial Philadelphia: A City on the Rise
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Philadelphia was one of the largest and most important cities in the American colonies. It was a bustling port, a center of commerce, and the home of many influential figures, including Benjamin Franklin. As the city grew, so did the importance of its taverns, which were not just places to drink but also served as meeting places for various clubs and organizations.
Tun Tavern was no different. Over the years, it played host to many prominent individuals and events, making it a key part of Philadelphia’s social and political landscape.
Tun Tavern and the Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps
The Founding of the United States Marine Corps
Perhaps the most famous event associated with Tun Tavern is the founding of the United States Marine Corps. On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution calling for the formation of two battalions of Marines to serve as landing forces for the Continental Navy. This marked the official birth of the Marine Corps, and it all began at Tun Tavern.
Captain Samuel Nicholas, who is recognized as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, was tasked with recruiting Marines for service in the Continental Navy. According to legend, Nicholas set up his recruiting headquarters at Tun Tavern, where he successfully enlisted the first Marines.
This connection to the Marine Corps has cemented Tun Tavern’s place in American military history. Every year, on November 10, the Marine Corps celebrates its birthday, and Tun Tavern is always remembered as the birthplace of this proud military tradition.
Samuel Nicholas and His Role in Marine Corps History
Samuel Nicholas, a Philadelphia native, was chosen to lead the new Marine force due to his strong connections within the city and his familiarity with naval operations. He was well-known in Philadelphia society, and his role in establishing the Marine Corps was pivotal. After recruiting Marines at Tun Tavern, Nicholas led his men in several important operations during the American Revolutionary War, including the first amphibious assault by American forces during the Battle of Nassau in 1776.
While Nicholas’ exact recruiting methods are lost to history, the legend of him using Tun Tavern as a headquarters has become an integral part of Marine Corps lore. It is said that Nicholas and his officers would entice men to enlist with promises of free beer, adding to the tavern’s reputation as a central part of Marine Corps history.
The Marine Corps’ Connection to Tun Tavern Today
Although the original Tun Tavern building no longer exists, the Marine Corps has continued to honor its connection to the tavern. Many Marine Corps installations feature Tun Tavern replicas, and Marine Corps units often celebrate their founding with ceremonies and toasts to Tun Tavern.
The Marine Corps’ strong sense of tradition means that the story of Tun Tavern is passed down to every new generation of Marines. For them, it represents not only the birthplace of their branch but also the enduring spirit of camaraderie, service, and duty that defines the Marine Corps to this day.
Tun Tavern as a Social Hub
A Gathering Place for Revolutionary Figures
Tun Tavern wasn’t just important to the Marine Corps; it was also a significant meeting place during the American Revolution. Philadelphia was a hotbed of revolutionary activity, and taverns like Tun Tavern served as informal headquarters for the exchange of ideas and the planning of revolutionary actions.
Prominent figures in the American Revolution, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, are said to have frequented Philadelphia’s taverns. While it is unclear if they specifically visited Tun Tavern, it’s likely that the tavern played a role in the political and social discussions that shaped the Revolution.
Taverns in colonial America were often the center of political debate and public discourse. They were places where news was shared, ideas were debated, and alliances were formed. Tun Tavern, with its prominent location and reputation, would have been a natural gathering place for such discussions.
Masonic Connections
Tun Tavern also has ties to the Freemasons, one of the most influential secret societies in American history. In the early 18th century, Tun Tavern was the meeting place for the first Masonic Lodge in America, known as St. John’s Lodge No. 1. The Freemasons were an important organization in colonial America, and many of the Founding Fathers were members.
The Masonic Lodge at Tun Tavern was officially chartered in 1732 by the Grand Lodge of England, making it one of the earliest Masonic organizations in the colonies. The connection between Tun Tavern and the Freemasons adds yet another layer of historical significance to the tavern’s legacy.
Tun Tavern’s Role in the Development of American Taverns
Taverns in Colonial America
In colonial America, taverns were more than just places to eat and drink—they were essential parts of the community. Taverns served as inns, meeting places, post offices, and sometimes even courthouses. Travelers would stop at taverns to rest, merchants would conduct business deals, and local residents would gather to hear the latest news from afar.
Philadelphia, being one of the largest and most important cities in the colonies, had a wide variety of taverns catering to different clientele. Tun Tavern, with its prime location near the Delaware River, was a popular stop for sailors, traders, and locals alike.
Taverns also played a crucial role in the dissemination of information. In a time before newspapers were widely available, taverns were places where people could share and receive news. Political debates, revolutionary ideas, and plans for action were often discussed in tavern settings, making them important centers of colonial life.
The Food and Drink of Tun Tavern
While much of Tun Tavern’s historical significance lies in its role as a meeting place, it was also well-known for its food and drink. Colonial taverns typically offered simple fare, such as stews, bread, and roasted meats. The menu at Tun Tavern likely reflected the tastes of the time, offering hearty meals to its patrons.
Beer was the most popular drink in colonial taverns, and Tun Tavern was no exception. The tavern likely served locally brewed beer, as well as imported ales and spirits. Rum, which was a popular drink in the colonies due to the triangular trade with the Caribbean, was also likely a staple at Tun Tavern.
In addition to food and drink, taverns like Tun Tavern offered entertainment in the form of music, card games, and sometimes even theatrical performances. These taverns were lively places where people came to relax, socialize, and enjoy themselves.
The Decline and Disappearance of Tun Tavern
The End of Tun Tavern
Despite its historical significance, Tun Tavern did not survive into the modern era. The exact date of its closure is uncertain, but by the early 19th century, the original Tun Tavern building was no longer standing. Some accounts suggest that the tavern burned down in a fire, while others indicate that it was demolished to make way for new development as Philadelphia grew.
The site where Tun Tavern once stood is now near the modern-day intersection of Front Street and Tun Alley, close to the Delaware River waterfront. The construction of Interstate 95 and the redevelopment of the waterfront area have drastically changed the landscape, and there are no visible remains of the original tavern today.
The Legacy of Tun Tavern
Even though Tun Tavern no longer exists physically, its legacy lives on in American history. Its role as the birthplace of the Marine Corps ensures that it will always be remembered, and its significance as a gathering place for revolutionaries and Freemasons further cements its place in the annals of American history.
Every year, on the Marine Corps birthday, Marines around the world raise a toast to Tun Tavern, honoring the place where their proud tradition began. The tavern has become a symbol of the Marine Corps’ enduring values of courage, commitment, and honor.
In addition to its military legacy, Tun Tavern’s history as a Masonic lodge and a hub of social activity in colonial Philadelphia ensures that it will always be remembered as a place where history was made.
Commemorating Tun Tavern Today
Marine Corps Museums and Memorials
The memory of Tun Tavern is preserved in several ways, most notably through the Marine Corps. The National Museum of the Marine Corps, located in Triangle, Virginia, features a replica of Tun Tavern, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience what the original tavern might have looked like.
Marine Corps bases and installations around the world also commemorate Tun Tavern, with many of them naming buildings or rooms after the historic tavern. For Marines, the connection to Tun Tavern is a source of pride and tradition, and it continues to be an important part of their identity.
Visiting the Tun Tavern Site
While the original Tun Tavern building no longer stands, visitors to Philadelphia can still explore the area where it once existed. The intersection of Front Street and Tun Alley is located near the Delaware River waterfront, a short distance from popular attractions like Penn’s Landing and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Though there is no physical marker for Tun Tavern, the history of the site is well-known among historians and Marine Corps enthusiasts. A visit to the waterfront area offers a chance to reflect on the rich history of Philadelphia and the important role Tun Tavern played in shaping America.
Honoring the Marine Corps Birthday
Every year on November 10, the Marine Corps celebrates its birthday with ceremonies, parades, and events around the world. During these celebrations, Marines often raise a toast to Tun Tavern, remembering the place where their storied tradition began. For Marines, the connection to Tun Tavern is a reminder of their branch’s humble beginnings and the values that continue to define their service.
Conclusion: Tun Tavern’s Enduring Legacy
Tun Tavern may no longer exist as a physical building, but its impact on American history is undeniable. From its role in the founding of the United States Marine Corps to its significance as a social and political hub in colonial Philadelphia, Tun Tavern remains an enduring symbol of American resilience, courage, and camaraderie.
Whether you’re a Marine, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, the story of Tun Tavern is one that continues to captivate and inspire. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of Marines and in the history books, ensuring that it will never be forgotten.