On Sunday, Marine veteran Patrick Dailey will begin the construction of a replica of Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, the historical site recognized as the birthplace of the Marine Corps. This groundbreaking ceremony marks a pivotal move towards Dailey’s vision of creating a venue where Marines can celebrate their heritage, especially by the 250th Marine Corps Birthday in 2025, contingent upon raising $8 million in the coming months.
Tun Tavern is renowned as the site where Captain Samuel Nicholas recruited the first Marines on November 10, 1775. It is also known for being a meeting place for U.S. Naval Committee members, including John Adams, who contributed to the formation of the Navy.
Once established, the Tun Tavern replica and its adjoining restaurant, “Peg Mulligan’s Red Hot Beefsteak Club,” will donate part of their proceeds to charities aligned with the Marine Corps and related organizations, according to Dailey.
The inspiration for creating this venue surged from an experience Dailey had nearly a decade ago at Cookie’s Tavern in Philadelphia, where a modest bar drew thousands of Marines for the Marine Corps Birthday celebration. This prompted him to establish the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation, aiming to create “The Tun” — a historical and communal space for Marines.
The project has garnered support from retired Lt. Gen. Charles Chiarotti, President and CEO of the Marine Corps Association, who expressed that the new Tun Tavern would provide a rightful gathering place for Marines throughout history in Philadelphia, the city where the Marine Corps was founded.
Dailey, a Philadelphia area native, has a long-standing connection to the city. After serving in the Marine Corps, he dedicated himself to various Marine-related and community-focused nonprofits and currently operates a Japanese restaurant just outside Philadelphia. His foundational work for this project has already seen an acquisition of land and the necessary permits, with a total project budget set at $21 million.
Currently, Dailey’s foundation has raised approximately $6.5 million through donations from board members, private individuals, and grants. Notably, a recent challenge grant from an anonymous Marine veteran donor could propel fundraising efforts, emphasizing the community’s commitment to seeing this dream come to fruition.
Historical records not only highlight Tun Tavern’s significance as a bar that served as a social hub in colonial Philadelphia but also its foundational role in Freemasonry in the region. This underscores the venue’s potential to not only serve as a celebration of Marine Corps history but also as a cultural landmark for Philadelphia.
As Dailey and his team press on with fundraising and planning, this ambitious project represents a hopeful future for Marines, offering a tangible connection to their rich legacy in a space designed for celebration, camaraderie, and remembrance.
In summary, the project to create a replica of Tun Tavern embodies not just a physical space but a revival of historical significance and community spirit. With continued support, it promises to become a cherished gathering place for current and future Marines, ensuring that the legacy of their origins is celebrated for generations to come.