|
A
Tavern of revolutionary times was an important part of its community.
The publican or innkeeper served as gossip, newsmonger, banker,
pawnbroker, expediter of men or effects, and general host to all.
In those early days the
intimate association existing between landlord and public brought
about a still closer one between the tavern guild itself, establishing
a network of communication coextensive with all the great routes
from Maine to Georgia.
The Warren
Tavern was probably the first building erected in Charlestown after
the British razed the town during the Battle of Bunker Hill on June
17,1775. It was founded by Captain Eliphelet Newell in 1780. Newell
had been believed to have been a participant at the famous Boston
Tea Party and as an ardent patriot and admirer of Dr.(general) Joseph
Warren, it is natural that he named his tavern after the fallen
hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Warren, because of his untimely death, is little known today. But
as head of the committee for safety, and the Sons of Liberty, he
was the prime mover of the revolution. Lord North then Prime Minister
of Great Britain, described Warren to King George as "the greatest
incendiary in North America". Warren by his nature, was not
a radical, and it was only after years of failure in attempting
closer ties between Great Britain and the colonies that he began
his work to build a separate nation.
Other famous visitors included Paul Revere, who had been a close
friend of Warren's and stated often that the Tavern was one of his
favorite watering places. Additionally, the first King Solomon's
Lodge of Masons met here for twenty years. At which Grand Master
Revere headed those meetings.
Later after the Revolutionary War, General George Washington, on
a visit to Charlestown to see his old friend Benjamin Frothingham,
stopped here for "refreshments". Come to the Warren Tavern
and be part of the history. We are located just 'feet' from freedom
trail in Charlestown.
|
|