New Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
In Honor of Rossell G. O’Brien
Photographed By Renee Crist
1. Rossell G. O’Brien Marker
In honor of Rossell G. O’Brien who in the Bostwick Building, Tacoma, Washington, on October 18, 1893, during regular session of the Washington Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the USA, did originate the custom of standing during the rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the National Anthem of the United States of America.
Placed by Mary Ball Chapter, NSDAR
July 1970
Erected 1970 by Mary Ball Chapter, NSDAR.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Patriots & Patriotism. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 1983.
Location. 47° 15.35′ N, 122° 26.433′ W. Marker is in Tacoma, Washington, in Pierce County. It is in New Tacoma. Marker is on Broadway, on the right when traveling south. The bronze plaque is mounted onto the left side of an entrance to the Bostwick Building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 765 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. George Francis Train (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old City Hall (about 600 feet away); Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation
this page online
Regarding In Honor of Rossell G. O’Brien. Rossell O’Brien was born in Dublin in 1846, and after coming to the US as a 16-year-old fought in the US Civil War with the Union Army’s 134th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1870, he moved to Washington Territory where he served as clerk of the Supreme Court and as United States commissioner. He is known as "The father of the Washington National Guard." In 1882 he organized the first National Guard in Washington Territory and was its first Commander. He served on the Olympia City Council starting in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1891. He was also involved in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, an organization of US Civil War veterans. At a meeting in Tacoma’s Bostwick Hotel on October 18, 1893, he proposed a motion that all should stand and men remove their hats during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The motion was unanimously adopted, and within two years, had also been adopted nationally by the Loyal Legion which promoted the custom nationwide.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Renee Crist of Gig Harbor, Washington. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 18 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Renee Crist of Gig Harbor, Washington. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
