Tun Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tun Tavern |
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Sketch of the original Tun Tavern
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Opened | 1686 |
| Destroyed | 1781 |
| Client | |
| Owner | Robert Mullan |
| Affiliation |
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| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Joshua Carpenter |
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Tun Tavern was a famous building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a place where people could eat, drink, and meet. It's especially known as the traditional spot where the United States Marine Corps began. Many important groups and people met there a long time ago. It was also seen as a key place for early Masonic groups in America.
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Tun Tavern: A Historic Meeting Place
What Was Tun Tavern?
Tun Tavern was built in 1686 in Philadelphia. It was located near a busy area where ships docked. The name "Tun" comes from an old English word for a large barrel of beer.
The building was put up by Joshua Carpenter. He was the brother of a rich merchant named Samuel Carpenter. In the 1740s, the tavern also became known for its food. It was sometimes called "Peggy Mullan's Red Hot Beef Steak Club."
Important Groups Started Here
Tun Tavern was a popular spot for people to gather. Many important groups held their first meetings there.
- In 1720, the St. George's Society started there. This group helped English people who were new to the colony.
- In 1732, the first meetings of the Masonic Temple's St. John's Lodge No. 1 took place at the tavern. Many people believe this was the start of Masonic teachings in America.
- In 1747, the St. Andrew's Society was founded. Like the St. George's Society, it helped new arrivals, but this group helped people from Scotland.
A Hub During the American Revolution
Tun Tavern was a very important place during the time of the American Revolution.
- In 1756, Benjamin Franklin used the tavern to find people to join the Pennsylvania militia. This group was preparing to protect the area during conflicts.
- Later, important leaders like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson met there with the Continental Congress.
- In October 1775, a special Naval Committee met at the tavern. They worked on rules to create America's first navy.
The Birthplace of the Marines
Many people believe Tun Tavern is where the United States Marine Corps began.
- On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress asked Samuel Nicholas to create two groups of Marines in Philadelphia. Nicholas was the tavern's owner at the time.
- Robert Mullan, who managed the tavern, was known as the main recruiter for the Marines.
- Even though some historians think another tavern might have been the exact spot, Tun Tavern is traditionally honored.
- Every year on November 10, U.S. Marines around the world celebrate the memory of Tun Tavern. They see it as the official birthplace of their service.
- The first Marines were skilled shooters. They served on Navy ships as sharpshooters.
Where is Tun Tavern Now?
Sadly, Tun Tavern burned down in 1781, near the end of the American Revolution. Its original location is now covered by Interstate 95, a major highway. A special marker stands nearby to show where the historic building once was.
Today, you can find a restaurant inspired by Tun Tavern at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. Its menu includes items that might have been served at the original tavern, like peanut soup.
