Let’s delve into the rich history of one of New York City's oldest pieces of real estate, which also happens to be my favorite bar. I find it absolutely thrilling to sit in a place where George Washington himself hung out, commiserating about British rule over the colonies!

In 1700 Mayor Stephanus Van Cortlandt gave his land at 54 Pearl Street to his son-in-law Etienne DeLancey. The DeLancey’s were a very powerful family in New York City at the time. It was there that in 1719 DeLancey constructed his home, a mansion of yellow bricks which he had imported from the Dutch Republic.

In 1762 the property was sold by DeLancey’s heirs to Samuel Fraunces, who converted the home into a tavern called The Queen’s Head.

*Son's of Liberty - Photo: Getty Images*

What I find most fascinating about the site is that a secret society, The Sons of Liberty (formed after The Stamp Act), used The Queen’s Head Tavern to meet and plot the American Revolution! During the Revolutionary War the tavern even survived a direct hit from a British warship and was also unscathed after a fire took out 25 percent of the city.

*General George Washington bidding farewell to his troops. - Etching: Henry Hintermeister*

Exactly one week after the British evacuation of New York City on November 25th, 1783, a day that would later be celebrated as Evacuation Day until Thanksgiving took precedence, General George Washington hosted his legendary farewell dinner in the upstairs Long Room at the tavern.

Did you know that prior to the U.S. Capital moving to Philadelphia it was in New York City with Fraunces Tavern being home to the departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance and War?

Fraunces Tavern on the right. Notice the advertisment for George Ehret's beer. He was one of the largest breweries at the time located on 3rd Avenue and 92nd Street. - Photo: Fraunces Tavern Museum Archives

Fraunces Tavern didn't have a great run in the 1800’s. It was almost destroyed by a fire and was for the most part a Longshoreman’s House.

*1906 during renovation and restoration. - Photo: Fraunces Tavern Museum Archives*

*1907 grand reopening. - Photo: Fraunces Tavern Museum Archives*

*Fraunces Tavern in 1936. I love this shot for the cars. - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

*The Whiskey Bar, which still exists today. - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

In 1900 the tavern was slated for demolition to make way for a parking lot. Thank goodness the Daughters of the American Revolution stepped in to save it. In 1904 it was acquired by the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York and an extensive renovation and restoration was initiated with funding from Fredrick Samuel Tallmadge, grandson of Benjamin Tallmadge who was George Washington’s Chief of Intelligence. How cool is that?! By 1965 it was declared a New York City Landmark.

Today, Fraunces Tavern has three bars and restaurants on its first floor and a museum dedicated to the American Revolution on the 2nd and 3rd floors. I’d highly recommend paying a visit to both the bar and museum. While having a drink and bite to eat, imagine yourself sitting right next to General Washington as he and his friends plotted against British rule with a little idea called ‘America’.

Pro tip… if you’re eating at the restaurant simply mention that you were thinking about going to the museum. Occasionally the staff have extra tickets on hand to give out.

Fraunces Tavern

The Central Park Boathouse

The Woolworth Building