Tun Tavern
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Near here stood Tun Tavern, 1693-1781, which is regarded as the traditional birthplace of the United States Marine Corps, authorized by a resolution of the Continental Congress, November 10, 1775. SEMPER FIDELIS
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Near this spot stood Tun Tavern, a colonial Philadelphia public house that operated from 1693 until 1781 and, by tradition, served as the recruiting ground for the first battalions of Continental Marines. When the Continental Congress authorized two battalions of Marines on November 10, 1775, the fledgling corps drew its first volunteers here—a birthplace the Marine Corps still honors with its motto, Semper Fidelis.
Why it matters
Tun Tavern marks the founding moment of the United States Marine Corps, born in a Philadelphia tavern amid the opening months of the American Revolution.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Independence Living History Center0.2 mi away
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.2 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of the American Revolution0.2 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Science History Institute0.2 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Powel House0.3 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- National Liberty Museum0.3 mi away · 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Attractions
- City Tavern0.1 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.3 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.3 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- FRIEDA0.2 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.3 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies0.3 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Thomas Bond Housenearby · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Old Citynearby · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing0.1 mi away · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.2 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related events
- · Founding of the United States Marine Corps
- · Continental Congress resolution of November 10, 1775
Themes & tags
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