Fraunces Tavern (recorded as Francis Tavern) is a tavern in the south of New York, near the Fort, formerly The Queen’s Head, renamed by its owner Francis after himself. It is inn, French meeting place and council room for George Washington’s circle.
| Type | Place (tavern) |
| Spanish entry | Francis Tavern |
Description
It stands among old trees, lamps at its doors: a several-story building with wooden beams. “There is smoke in the air, there is bacon.” The kitchen serves hamburgers; one also drinks and sleeps there. The Little Wench brewery operated on the premises, selling wholesale.
Washington and Alexander Hamilton recommend it to newcomers: “They arrive at Francis Tavern. Which is the place where they were before.”
Role
The French are “almost at home” there. Official and informal meetings are held in it, it serves as Washington’s improvised headquarters, and the Black Loyalists’ fate was decided at its tables. Entry comes through being pointed there by friends; Hamilton relaxes there with Washington’s friends.
History
It descends from the old tavern of Stefan Kortland, then became The Queen’s Head, then took its owner’s name. In an armed raid “they had set everything alight at the Francis Tavern and went in cloak and sword”.
Conflicting accounts
- The main hall is described as an eating and beer house, and as “a church-like kind of building with many seats so that everyone is there in ecstasy”; perhaps two rooms, perhaps two views.
Open questions
- Whether the Little Wench still brews is unknown.
- Who Francis is, and his relation to Kortland, is not recorded.
- Who raided it, when, and with what damage is unknown.
- Floors, rooms, prices and exact location are not recorded.