3/23/24 - Teachers and Parents - Use the code "SPRINGBREAK" for 10 percent off of your subscription to the ad-free, full-content, unlimited students, plus much more MrNussbaum.com when you subscribe. Click "Sign up" in the upper right corner to start. Join thousands of teachers and parents and countless students who now enjoy the site with no distractions, tons more content and way more options! Only $29 per year.

Advertisement

Remove ad

This page describes the role of the tavern keeper in colonial America.

White Horse Tavern
Whitehorse Tavern - Newport, R.I.

Taverns Were Places of Political Intrigue

Early American taverns were important gathering places for townspeople and for travelers. Because of the arduous conditions in early colonial travel, taverns were generally erected every few miles on main roads to accommodate weary and hungry travelers. Although people could certainly buy and drink beer, ale, wine, and other liquors, as well as enjoy a good meal and get a good night’s sleep, taverns were places where townspeople socialized, exchanged ideas, talked about local politics, and even made laws and declared action. For example, the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia, served as the staging grounds for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and other Virginians to form Committees of Correspondence with other colonial leaders to protest and monitor actions of the British Crown against them.

13 Colonies Artisans and Trades Articles and Activities

13 Colonies Artisans and Trades

Advertisement

Remove ad

Related activities

Advertisement

Remove ad