In 1762 an enterprising and ambitious innkeeper named Samuel Fraunces purchased a three-story brick mansion which had been built on one of Manhattan Island’s first landfills. Under Samuel Fraunces’ proprietorship the building became a well-known gathering place - - - a place for friends and strangers to meet, mingle and share a drink. But Mr. Fraunces tavern was frequented by the leaders of a revolution and thus became more than just a local watering hole.

Taverns were vital centers of community activity in the 18th Century, as important as the local church or Town Hall. They were a crucial link in a new and growing society, places where strangers were introduced, where merchants could conduct business, and where everyone could get the latest gossip as well as the news on the growing political unrest in the colonies.

Samuel Fraunces owned the tavern building for 23 years, during which it witnessed unprecedented events that changed the course of history. It was here, in 1768, that the first New York Chamber of Commerce was born., Fraunces also played host to the Sons of Liberty who galvanized popular support for the coming revolution, It was at a meeting of the provincial Congress of New York, that Samuel Fraunces first met George Washington. The two men developed a long lasting friendship, which led to Fraunces’ appointment as Chief Steward in our first President’s household.

Although many events of great significance occurred at Fraunces Tavern, it is most often remembered for its association with George Washington, who spent many hours enjoying his host’s dinners and well appointed bar. It was in the Museum’s Long Room, in 1783, that General George Washington made his emotional farewell address to his officers.

By the early 1770’s the political climate in the colonies was building towards a tempestuous climax. Fraunces decided to put the tavern up for sale. He failed to find a buyer but acquired the patronage and friendship of George Washington with the result that, as disputed between King and Colonies became more demonstrative, the “Queen’s Head”, as the tavern was originally known, became a meeting place for those who opposed the crown.

Fraunces never lost the confidence or friendship of the patriot leaders evidenced by the fact that when, on November 25, 1783, Governor Clinton gave a great public dinner for General Washington in celebration of the British evacuation, it was held at the Queen’s Head”. Soon thereafter, the tavern was renovated, and the old sign bearing the portrait of Queen Charlotte taken down.

December 4, 1783, in the tavern’s long room, saw General Washington, on the eve of his retirement to Mount Vernon, bid an affectionate farewell to his officers. After partaking of some wine, and with emotion too strong to be concealed, the General said:

“With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you.
I most devoutly wish that you later days may be as prosperous as your former ones
have been glorious and honorable,”

The time of separation had come. Passing silently through a double line of the light infantry, he walked on to Whitehall where a barge ferried him from New York to Paulus Hook, New Jersey and the beginning of the long journey home.

~ courtesy, http://www.frauncestavern.com/fraunces