Eventually, most drinking was done in taverns. Taverns were places where travels could rest and stay, or where people could meet to enjoy company and share news, and even serve as a commerce center. It was common to have one or two government sponsored tavern per settlement or city. Even places with next to no economy had taverns. They simply worked on a barter system where farmers could trade goods for ale.
Colonists spent time at taverns playing cards, games, and catching up on news. A tavern was a place where the latest news could always be heard. There were occasions where trials were even held at taverns. If a person was illiterate, they could have a newspaper read aloud to them. There were often entertainment shows involving actors, magicians, and even exotic animals put on for the entertainment of the patrons. These entertainers often weren’t paid, but simply enjoyed themselves performing.
Music was popular at taverns. Musicians, though not paid, played for the guests. Drinking songs were another way for the people to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Taverns were important during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in one. The Green Dragon Tavern in Boston became a meeting place for many people who played a key role in the war. The Sons of Liberty met here and tried to persuade people to join their cause. The famous Boston Tea Party was planned at The Green Dragon.
There were different types of taverns. For instance, the founding fathers would socialize at a different tavern than sailors would. Taverns, like other parts of society, were divided by social class.
Colonists spent time at taverns playing cards, games, and catching up on news. A tavern was a place where the latest news could always be heard. There were occasions where trials were even held at taverns. If a person was illiterate, they could have a newspaper read aloud to them. There were often entertainment shows involving actors, magicians, and even exotic animals put on for the entertainment of the patrons. These entertainers often weren’t paid, but simply enjoyed themselves performing.
Music was popular at taverns. Musicians, though not paid, played for the guests. Drinking songs were another way for the people to enjoy themselves and have fun.
Taverns were important during the Revolutionary War. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in one. The Green Dragon Tavern in Boston became a meeting place for many people who played a key role in the war. The Sons of Liberty met here and tried to persuade people to join their cause. The famous Boston Tea Party was planned at The Green Dragon.
There were different types of taverns. For instance, the founding fathers would socialize at a different tavern than sailors would. Taverns, like other parts of society, were divided by social class.