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Fraunces Tavern
Fraunces Tavern is a survivor of the early days of New York City. Built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the Delancey family, the home was purchased in 1762 by Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army on December 4, 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities.
During the 1770's the tavern was the home of a number of prominent organizations, including the New York City Chamber of Commerce, the Sons of Liberty and the New York Provincial Congress. After the war, when New York was the nation's first capital, the tavern housed the offices of the Departments of Treasury, War (today's Defense Department), and Foreign Affairs (today's State Department).
In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and restored the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th-century Fraunces Tavern. |