Wyld Life

On November 10, 1775, Robert Mullan, the proprietor of the Tavern and son of Peggy Mullan, was commissioned by an act of Congress to raise die first two battalions of Marines, under the leadership of Samuel Nicholas, me first appointed Commandant of (he Continental Marines.  Nicholas' grandfather was also a member of the Tun Tavern Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and it is this relationship between Mullan, Nicholas, and the Tavern, which has resulted in Tun Tavern being acknowledged as the birthplace of
The United States Marine Corps.  There are an estimated three million active and retired U.S. Marines worldwide who have been exposed in their military training to the historical significance of Tun Tavern.  Each year on November 10th, around the world Marines toast The Marines birthplace on the most significant date in die history of the Corps.

On the 10th of November in 1775, the Continental Congress passed a resolution, which said in part:

"...Resolved, that two battalions of Marines be raised, consisting of one colonel, two lieutenant colonels, two majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the resent war between Great Britain and die Colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of die first and second battalions of American Marines..."

With that resolution the Continental Marines were officially born.