Fraunces Tavern
54 Pearl Street (at Broad Street)
2nd and 3rd Floors
Manhattan
(212) 425-1778

Located in one of only three buildings left in Manhattan that date from the time of the American Revolution, the museum conveys the spirit of New York at that time with period rooms and related exhibits. Much of the collection consists of documents, maps, paintings and drawings, but there are also a number of artifacts that give a flavor of what ordinary life of the time was like. You'll also find such Washingtonia as a panel from President George Washington's inaugural coach, a lock of Washington's hair and even one of his false teeth! Exhibits change often; to find out what is on view now, we recommend a visit to the museum's web site.

In addition to housing a museum, Fraunces Tavern is the oldest continuesly operated tavern in America. Samuel Fraunces first opened his tavern in 1762 with the name "Queen's Head" after Queen Charlotte; the name was changed in the 1780's to reflect the new country's disdain of English monarchy. He played host often to George Washington and to the Sons of Liberty (which was not always easy in largely Tory New York). His long friendship with Washington made the tavern an obvious place for Washington's farewell dinner with his officers, at which the General uttered the immortal words, "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 you former one have been glorious and honorable."

Today, the tavern serves traditional American food for lunch and dinner. Furnished in the colonial style with numerous murals depicting historical events, it is also a pleasant setting for drinks. To learn more or to make reservations, visit the tavern's web site.

To get there by subway, take the N or R to Whitehall Street; the J, M or Z to Broad Street; the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green; or the 1 or 9 to South Ferry. By bus, take the M1, M6, or M15.

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