Penn's Landing in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier"
![The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" Marker [Top plaque] image. Click for full size.](Photos9/914/Photo914074.jpg?1214202544900PM "The Casket of the American \"Unknown Soldier\" Marker [Top plaque]. Click for full size.")
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 12, 2025
1. The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" Marker [Top plaque]
containing the mortal remains
of the
American "Unknown Soldier"
who gave up his life in the
World War
rested upon this hatch
during its transfer
from
Le Havre, France, to the National Capitol
Washington, D.C.,
for ceremonial interment in the
Arlington National Cemetery
October 25th to November 9th
1929
For the American who sacrificed his life and identity in service of his country, the unspeakable perils of World War One did not end on French battlefields. The journey of his mortal remains home to the United States aboard U.S.S. Olympia nearly ended in his loss at sea.
The Unknown Soldier's safe return resulted from the bravery of Olympia's crew, whose valiant efforts kept the ship functioning through heavy seas for ten of the voyages fifteen days.
It was on this spot that the Marine Honor Guard lashed the casket and themselves to the ship to avoid being washed overboard.
Erected 2021.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, World I • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1929.
Location. 39° 56.626′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Visit from the President (here, next to this marker); Olympia's Guns & Turrets (here, next to this marker); U. S. S. Trigger - SS 237 (a few steps from this marker); Peace-Time Submariners Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Still on Patrol (a few steps from this marker);
![The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" Marker [Bottom plaque] image. Click for full size.](Photos9/914/Photo914079.jpg?1214202544600PM "The Casket of the American \"Unknown Soldier\" Marker [Bottom plaque]. Click for full size.")
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 12, 2025
2. The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" Marker [Bottom plaque]
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cruiser Olympia - Submarine Becuna (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Additional commentary.
1. Inaccuracy in the marker
While sometimes associated with the District of Columbia, Arlington National Cemetery lies across the Potomac River from the U.S. territory in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
— Submitted December 14, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 12, 2025
3. The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" Display
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
