Samuel Fraunces

Samuel Fraunces was the renowned as the owner and operator of Fraunces's Tavern in New York City. Beyond his role as a prominent business owner, he was regarded a dedicated patriot. He served as Washington’s steward at his executive residences in New York City and Philadelphia. 

Early Life

Born in the West Indies, Fraunces immigrated to New York City in 1755. Seven years later in 1762, Fraunces opened a tavern at the corner of Pearl and Broad Street that became an important social gathering place,  attraction, and a center of Revolutionary discussion and activities in the city. The tavern and Fraunces both became intricately tied to important events connected to the American Revolution. 

Fraunces and the American Revolution

George Washington first visited Fraunces's Tavern to dine when arriving in New York City on April 13, 1776, knowing the establishment supported the patriot cause.¹

Although the British occupied the city for most of the war, Fraunces found ways to support the Americans. Throughout the war Fraunces frequently provided food, materials, and even covert intelligence to members of the Continental Army. Famously, the tavern was the location where George Washington bade farewell to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War on December 4, 1783, the same day that the British departed from New York harbor.

The tavern remained intricately connected to political events in the years directly following the revolution, such as housing offices for the Continental Congress. Following the ratification of the Constitution, the tavern even served as the headquarters for the newly formed Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Treasury, and Department of War.

 As Washington’s Steward

Starting in 1787, Fraunces began work as Washington's steward in the presidential home in New York City. Fraunces remained in this position in New York City until February of 1790.

After a brief absence, Fraunces returned to the position a year later, serving at Washington's presidential home in Philadelphia. In re-hiring Fraunces, Washington reported that the former tavern owner was a superior steward than his successor, explaining that "besides being an excellent Cook" Fraunces knew "how to provide genteel Dinners. . .prepared the Desert, made the Cake." Fraunces' replacement John Hyde's meals were "not to be compared with those of Frauncis's."²

Fraunces remained in the position until June 1794. He passed away a year later in Philadelphia in 1795.

Updated by Zoie Horecny, Ph.D., 7 May 2025

Notes:

1. “Expenses of Journey to New York, 4–13 April 1776,” Founders Online, National Archives.

2. “From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 20 September 1790,” Founders Online, National Archives.

Bibliography:

Egerton, Douglas R.  Death or Liberty: African Americans and Revolutionary America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Sismondo, Christine. America Walks into a Bar: A Spirited History of Taverns and Saloons, Speakeasies and Grog Shops. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Weintraub, Stanley. General Washington's Christmas Farewell: A Mount Vernon Homecoming, 1783. New York: Free Press, 2003.