First U.S. Navy & Marine Corps: 1775
Anchors aweigh! Philly gave birth to the Navy and Marine Corps, launching fearless sailors and marines into a tradition of service and adventure that sails on to this day.
Did you know that the first officer of the Continental Marines was a Quaker?
When Samuel Nicholas joined the Continental Marines (the precursor to the U.S. Marine Corps) during the American Revolution, he was kicked out of ASMH’s Quaker worship community for “learning the Art of War”. Quakers are pacifists after all! Maj. Nicholas is buried here at ASMH, but his official resting place on the property is unknown. A memorial gravestone was placed on ASMH’s grounds by the U.S. Marines in 2013. Can you find it near the #1?
Another Philadelphia Quaker, Joshua Humphreys, is known as the “Father of the American Navy.” Humphreys designed the six original frigates of the Continental Navy. Of these frigates, the USS Constitution is still in use today.
The 52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals, held every Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm from January 3 to December 26.
Each Firstival will feature a brief opening ceremony, a Once Upon A Nation storyteller sharing the true tale of that week’s First, family activities, giveaways, music and entertainment, selfie stations, and the spotlighting of a #1 sculpture representing that milestone.
All the FREE Saturday Firstivals will take place throughout 2026 at the locations—or in neighborhoods representing the locations — where these significant Firsts occurred.
Learn more about 52 Weeks of Firsts at 52firstsphilly.com.
LISTEN TO THE 52 WEEKS OF FIRSTS PODCAST