General George Washington gave an emotional and tearful farewell to
his Continental Army troops here (embracing each of them) at Fraunces Tavern at the end of the
Revolutionary War on December 4, 1783.
Just before returning to his home state of Virginia,
Washington
said: “With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days
are as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and
honorable.” Strangely enough, this Tavern was first named
Queen Charlotte (after King George III’s wife) and was a meeting place for
pro-British forces. Its owner, Samuel
Fraunces, a member of the Sons of Liberty, bought this private residence built
in 1719 by Stephen Delancey, and turned it into a tavern in 1762. Frances was a supporter of the American patriots and reported overheard British battle plans to George Washington.
In spring of 1785 when New
York City was the nation’s capital, the Tavern was leased to the
new U.S.
government and housed the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs. The building was recreated in 1906 and is a
museum and restaurant owned by the Sons of the Revolution. Here our first President would have been
drinking one of his two favorite drinks, either Maderia (a wine from the Isle of Maderia) or port. Hard cider and small beer, though, were more
popular with typical New York customers of the day.
The Tavern is located at the corner of Stone Street (below), the first paved cobblestone street in the City, which
offers a journey back in time. It was paved in the year 1658. All major roads in the New York City were cobblestone ones by 1661.
