Fraunces Tavern
The colonial tavern where George Washington gave a historic speech is today a museum and restaurant
Originally built in 1719 and named for its Revolutionary War era proprietor, Samuel Fraunces, this tavern -popular with both patriots and loyalists- was the location of many historically important events during the nation's early years. Today, visitors can still enjoy a pint and a meal just like the founding fathers did over 200 years ago or they can visit the museum, which provides an intriguing window into colonial New York.
Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, the Fraunces Tavern Museum is a great place to learn about the struggle for independence. Visitors can view exhibits on the Revolutionary War, George Washington and the Sons of the Revolution, in a building that has been carefully renovated to restore many rooms to their original Revolutionary War era appearance.
In fact it was on a night in August 1775, in the build up to the war, that Fraunces Tavern first gained notoriety. A group of American rebels, including Alexander Hamilton, set about dismantling British cannons at the Battery. When these young patriots were discovered, a British warship in the harbor fired the first cannon ball of the Revolution, which subsequently crashed through the roof of the tavern.
Samuel Fraunces, master of the house, was a passionate but secret patriot and used his position to spy on the unknowing loyalists. Fraunces passed information to Continental Army officers, and this loyalty would later secure him a short-lived position as President Washington's steward.
At the end of the war, after the last British soldiers had left America, it was at Fraunces Tavern that George Washington gathered his officers to bid them farewell. Washington was much beloved and delivered a speech in the tavern's Long Room which has been remembered for its touching eloquence. The museum holds in its collection the memoirs of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, which documents this famed farewell address.
Learn more about the colonial history of New York City on our virtual tour of George Washington's New York or download the PDF of our self-guided walking tour.
