Although Tun Tavern beer is still readily available throughout the Philadelphia area, Tun Tavern exists only as a plaque. — I imagine it being rebuilt as a memorial and a meeting place for Marines of all generations. Does anyone else?
Birthplace of USMC: Tun Tavern 
Ask any Marine. Just ask. He will tell you that the Marine Corps was born in Tun Tavern on 10 November 1775. But, beyond that the Marine’s recollection for detail will probably get fuzzy. So, here is the straight scoop:
In the year 1685, Samuel Carpenter built a huge “brew house” in Philadelphia. He located this tavern on the waterfront at the corner of Water Street and Tun Alley. The old English word tun means a cask, barrel, or keg of beer. So, with his new beer tavern on Tun Alley, Carpenter elected to christen the new waterfront brewery with a logical name, Tun Tavern.
Nine years later, then Col. Benjamin Franklin organized the Pennsylvania Militia. He used Tun Tavern as a gathering place to recruit a regiment of soldiers to go into battle against the Indian uprisings that were plaguing the American colonies. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Continental Congress later met in Tun Tavern as the American colonies prepared for independence from the English Crown.
On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern. He 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.
I would love to see the Tavern rebuilt as close to original as possible. For all of the rotten “pork” being added to bills these days, this would actually be tax dollars well spent. Since that won’t happen, I assume some sort of fund raising and a plan to rebuild directing by a committee of Marines. I live in Indiana, but would be happy to help in any way, including of course a donation.
Mike Holloway
Former Sgt of Marines
* Group: Marine Corps Executives Group
* Subject: New comment (4) on “Should Tun Tavern be rebuilt for Marines?”
I am in the suburbs of Philly– I live n Breathe the Corps 24/7. I am amazed this has not be done many years ago! Even though my plate is more than over flowing with supporting our deployed and other endeavors within the USMC count me in!
With that said there needs to be a someone with land and development as the leader of this team. The an architect that could replicate the original Tun Tavern. Most of these services most likely need to be donated as much as possible, As the founder and president of America 4R Marines ( a D.B.A. of Mom 4R Marines) I can tell you firsthand monetary donations in this day and age are way down.. This is where we need those Marines that have made it big in the world–(Corporate or privately) by using the USMC principles- mindset and dedication to the Corps to be involved. Financial backers… Marines take care of Marines.
Semper Fi!
God Bless all our Marines, Sailors and ” Special Angels”
Posted by Patty Lewis
Michael A. Holloway • I would love to see the Tavern rebuilt as close to original as possible. For all of the rotten “pork” being added to bills these days, this would actually be tax dollars well spent. Since that won’t happen, I assume some sort of fund raising and a plan to rebuild directing by a committee of Marines. I live in Indiana, but would be happy to help in any way, including of course a donation.
Mike Holloway
Former Sgt of Marines
Edward Van Haute • This was attempted in the early to mid 1970′s and failed miserably. A lot of donations were collected (including mine), and then the whole project disappeared from the radar screen sometime after 1976. I do not know the whole story, and do not know what happened to the money collected. Maybe someone in this group can finish the story.
Ed Van Haute
Major USMC (Ret)
Jeff Sturges • I was visiting there ten years ago and the guide from Independance Hall (who was a former Marine) told me the original location of Tun Tavern was now smack in the middle of I-95. Whether it is true or net remains to be seen, but whatever we do, count me in! Semper Fi.
Christopher Ballard • Absolutely! I’m in Az also and would make the trip to visit. Is there anyone in the area willing to do some legwork to locate the nearest commercial property and zoning research?
OF COURSE IT’S NOT THE ORIGINAL, BUT THERES A MODERN IMITATION OF TUN TAVERN IN ATLANTIC CITY. GOOD FOOD & GROG
* Group: Marine Corps Executives Group
* Subject: New comment (13) on “Should Tun Tavern be rebuilt for Marines?”
I think a “Chain” of Tun Taverns would be cool.. Like – Applebees, etc. One in every major metro! Reserve Units, Toys For Tots, Retired, Active duty, Marine Corps League…All Taverns with Marine Corps Theme (Hey Toby Keith Did it with A Toby Keith Theme)…
Posted by Dale Prax
This is a great idea! Some wealthy franchiser should take a hold of this. — All of the taverns could be replicas of the first. — Way to think out of the box!
* Group: Marine Corps Executives Group
* Subject: New comment (20) on “Should Tun Tavern be rebuilt for Marines?”
I heard years ago that when the original building had to be moved, one organization or another paid for it to be taken apart by a firm that specializes putting historical buildings back together (talk about a 3D jigsaw puzzle) and that it was then stored in a warehouse somewhere. The first step should be finding out if that is anything more than urban legend.
I try to get to Philly every year and meet up for the birthday with a group of friends…I love the group at Cookie’s Tavern that puts together the celebration but having Tun Tavern standing again would really bring in the crowd. Count me in on anything to get it going. Talk about being involved with history near and dear to all of us!
Gentelmen,
As a former United States Marine and currently an architect and engineer, I would love to lend my services to the effort of recreating th e Tun Tavern. I certainly agree that it should be as close to original as knowingly possible, yet in keeping with current building code.
If anyone knows of someone that would have the means to finance a project such as this, please have them get in touch with me at 856 831-7334 or via email ar rond@global-consulting-associates.com.
I am cewrtain that we can find either a very old structure near the original site or we can design new construction to mimic or appear to be original.
SEMPER FI MARINES