We have a little quiz today. Where did George Washington celebrate when the British evaculated New York City in 1783? (Hint: it was the same place where he gave his famous Farewell Address to the Troops.) That’s right, Fraunces Tavern. Built originally as a mansion for a wealthy New York City family, the structure was purchased by Samuel Fraunces and turned into the Queen’s Head tavern in 1762.
Fraunces is just one of a surprising number of taverns that have been serving spirits since before America won its independence.
The Huffington Post has a neat little slide show highlighting five famous bars that have survived since pre-Revolutionary War times. You can view it here.
Besides Fraunces, the slide show includes: the Old ’76 House, Tappen, New York. The oldest bar in the country, it was built by Dutch immigrants in 1668 and has been serving the public ever since.
In Newport Rhode Island you’ll find The White Horse Tavern which was established in 1673 and has seen a number of characters pass through her doors. The notes accompanying the slide will fill you in.
The City Tavern was built in 1773 to be a more refined tavern for the growing city of Philadelphia. And there you’d likely meet Ben Franklin and many of his friends.
Founded in 1780 by Captain Eliphelet Newell the Warren Tavern was the first structure to be built in Charlestown after the British burned it to the ground following the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Check the comments readers have posted on the slide show and you will discover lots of other drinking establishments that predate the founding of America. If there’s one near you, you might want to stop in and hoist a glass in honor of The United States of America.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Terrie
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