Marines Mark 251st Birthday at Future Tun Site
Marines gathered at a Philadelphia parking lot to celebrate the Corps' 251st birthday at the planned site of a reborn Tun Tavern.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Civic
Marines held a block party on South 2nd Street in Philadelphia to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 251st birthday at the future site of The Tun, the third such annual event at the location. The Tun Legacy Foundation plans to build a reborn version of Tun Tavern, where the Continental Marines were established in 1775, a few blocks from the original.
Why it matters
The original tavern has not stood since 1781, and a historical marker now overlooks a stretch of I-95 built on its former site. The planned reconstruction would give Marines past, present, and future a place to gather in Philadelphia.
The Corps' origin at Tun Tavern in 1775 is documented, and the tavern ceased to stand in 1781. Construction is planned to start in 2027 and finish in summer 2029, though the project's funding and final costs were not reported.
The players
Tun Legacy Foundation
A nonprofit formed several years ago by veterans, business owners, and others to rebuild Tun Tavern a few blocks from its original location.
The details
Veterans and Marines gathered on South 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut, where a parking lot now occupies the future site. Many visitors stop at the nearby historical marker to pour out a drink, take a photo, or pay their respects.
Timeline
1775: Continental Marines established at Tun Tavern.
1781: Tun Tavern ceases to stand.
November 10, 2026: Third annual USMC 251st birthday block party held at the future site.
2027: Planned start of construction on The Tun.
Summer 2029: Planned completion of The Tun.
Historical Roots
The effort to rebuild Tun Tavern ties the Marine Corps' 1775 founding in Philadelphia to a physical landmark that has not existed since 1781. The reconstruction would restore the site where the Continental Marines first organized.
Philadelphia residents and visitors may see a new gathering place for Marines and the public once construction is complete. The planned bar would be located a few blocks from the original tavern site on South 2nd Street.
The takeaway
Historic sites tied to national institutions can be preserved through community-led efforts, even after the original structure has long been gone.
What happens next
Construction on The Tun is planned to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for summer 2029.
Further reading
For more on local civic history, explore Civic coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 6abc Action News.
