Raleigh Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg

Sancerres at Sunset

In 1773, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and other patriots held a secret meeting at the Raleigh Tavern to form a Committee of Correspondence.

In May 1774, Burgesses once again found refuge at Raleigh Tavern.  The Royal Governor this time around, Lord Dunmore, had dissolved them in response to their resolutions against the Boston Port Act.

The Raleigh was one of the largest taverns in colonial Virginia.  It is also one of the most significant in American history, thanks to meetings like these.

The original Tavern was built by 1735.  It is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost colony of Roanoke in what is now North Carolina.

In addition to Revolutionary meetings, the Tavern hosted balls and banquets, as well as the usual drinking and gambling.

It remained in continual use until an arsonist destroyed it in 1859.  In 1931, it became the first building reconstructed and opened as part of Colonial Williamsburg.

Today it’s a museum with guided tours. It also hosts fascinating performances. 

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