Indian King Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Indian King Tavern
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Camden County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Haddonfield, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Built | 1750 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000382 |
| Added to NRHP | December 18, 1970 |
The Indian King Tavern is a really old building in Haddonfield, New Jersey. It's also known as the Creighton House or Creighton Tavern. This historic place was once a busy meeting spot during America's early days.
In 1777, something very important happened here. The New Jersey Legislature met at the tavern. During this meeting, they officially adopted New Jersey's Great Seal. This seal is still used today!
The Indian King Tavern was the very first building in New Jersey to be named a State Historic Site. This happened way back in 1903. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as a special historical landmark.
Contents
A Look Back: The Tavern's Story
Building a Community Hub
Back in 1745, a Quaker merchant named Mathias Aspden bought some land in Haddonfield. He cleared away old buildings and started building a large tavern. It was meant to be a central spot on Kings Highway, the main road.
The main part of the tavern was finished in 1750. However, some parts of the building are even older. Research shows that the very first section was built around 1730.
A Place for Big Ideas
Taverns like the Indian King were more than just places to eat and drink. They were important centers for business and social life. People gathered there to talk, share news, and discuss important topics.
During the time leading up to the American Revolution, these taverns became places for big debates. People argued about whether to stay loyal to the British King or fight for independence. These discussions could be very risky for everyone involved.
Changing Owners During Revolution
As tensions grew, the tavern's owner, Mathias Aspden, Jr., supported the British. He sold the tavern to Thomas Redman, who ran a local pharmacy. Aspden, Jr. then left for England for good.
Because he supported the British, Aspden, Jr. was later found guilty of treason. This meant his properties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania were taken by the new American government. The money from selling them helped the American cause.
A Safe Haven in War Time
The American Revolution brought a lot of fighting to New Jersey. Towns like Princeton and Trenton were badly damaged. Haddonfield residents often met at the tavern.
Thomas Redman, the new owner, was a Quaker. Quakers believe in pacifism, which means they refuse to fight in wars. Redman had to publicly read documents about this belief.
Because of this, in January 1777, Redman was arrested. He was accused of going against the American Revolution. He was jailed for a short time but released and fined in March.
When Redman returned, he found that the state had used his tavern. They had set up a "Council of Safety" there. This group's job was to deal with people who were against the Revolution. It's thought that the tavern's cellar was even used to hold prisoners!
Less than two months later, Redman sold the tavern to Hugh Creighton. Creighton already owned another tavern nearby. His old tavern was called the "Indian King" Tavern. This name honored the Lenape Native Americans. They had helped the first European settlers in the area. Hugh Creighton then moved the "Indian King" name to his new, larger tavern.
Generals and Legends
The Indian King Tavern was used by both British and American soldiers during the war. Famous American generals like Anthony Wayne and the Marquis de Lafayette passed through Haddonfield. They likely used the tavern for meetings, lodging, or rest.
Today, some British and Hessian (German soldiers who fought for the British) soldiers are buried in unmarked graves nearby. They died in Haddonfield during the Revolution.
Some stories about the Indian King Tavern have turned out to be just legends. For example, it was once said that Dolley Madison, a future First Lady, often danced there. Another legend was that tunnels under the tavern were part of the Underground Railroad. These stories have since been proven untrue.
New Jersey's Early Government
A State is Born
On July 2, 1776, New Jersey declared itself a free and independent state. This was done through the New Jersey Constitution of 1776.
In 1777, the New Jersey Legislature needed a safe place to meet. Their usual meeting spot was too close to the fighting. So, they chose the spacious second floor of the Indian King Tavern.
While meeting there, the Legislature officially read and accepted the United States Declaration of Independence. This important document had been created in Philadelphia the year before. The new state's government continued to operate from the tavern for some time.
The Tavern Today
A Historic Museum
In 1903, the state of New Jersey bought the Indian King Tavern. They wanted to preserve its important history. They removed newer additions and restored the building to its original look.
The Indian King Tavern Museum was the first New Jersey Historic Site. Today, it's managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. You can take free tours of the first and second floors.
The cellar, however, is not open for tours. Its unusual layout and secret passages remain a bit of a mystery! While the main parts of the building are original, some of the furniture and items inside are reproductions. These were carefully made to look like what would have been there in the 1700s.
See also
| History of New Jersey |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Colonial period | |
| American Revolution | |
| Nineteenth century | |
| Twentieth century | |
| Twenty-first century | |
| Timeline of New Jersey | |
