List of former public houses and coffeehouses in Boston facts for kids
This is a list of former public houses and coffeehouses in Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1600s and 1700s, these places were more than just spots to eat or drink. They were important meeting places for business, politics, theater, concerts, and other community activities. Think of them as early community centers!
Historic Meeting Places in Boston
In early Boston, public houses (like inns or taverns) and coffeehouses were very important. They were places where people gathered to share news, make business deals, and even discuss politics. These spots were often the heart of the community.
What Were Public Houses and Coffeehouses?
Public houses were similar to today's restaurants or hotels. They offered food, drinks, and sometimes a place to stay overnight. Coffeehouses, on the other hand, were places where people mainly drank coffee and read newspapers. They were also popular for discussions and debates.
Why Were These Places Important?
These venues played a big role in Boston's history.
- Social Hubs: People met friends, exchanged gossip, and relaxed after a long day.
- Business Centers: Many deals were made and contracts signed in these busy spots.
- Political Hotspots: Before the American Revolution, many important political meetings happened in taverns. Patriots would gather to plan and discuss ideas for freedom.
- Entertainment: Sometimes, plays, concerts, or exhibitions were held in larger public houses.
Famous Boston Taverns and Coffeehouses
Many of these old establishments have interesting stories. Here are a few examples:
The Green Dragon Tavern
The Green Dragon Tavern on Union Street was known as the "Headquarters of the Revolution." Important groups like the Sons of Liberty met here. They planned key events, including the Boston Tea Party. It was a secret meeting place for patriots.
The Bunch of Grapes Tavern
The Bunch of Grapes was a very popular tavern. It was a place where merchants and sailors often met. It was also known for hosting important public events and auctions.
The Exchange Coffee House
The Exchange Coffee House was a large and fancy building. It was a major center for business and trade. People came here to get the latest news and make financial deals. It was like an early stock exchange.
Concert Hall
The Concert Hall was a special place. It hosted many musical performances and social events. It showed that these venues were not just for eating and drinking, but also for culture and entertainment.
Julien's Restorator
Julien's Restorator was one of America's first true restaurants. It was opened by a French chef named Jean Baptiste Gilbert Payplat dis Julien. He introduced new dining styles to Boston.
White Horse Tavern
The White Horse Tavern was another well-known spot. It served as a gathering place for many years. Like other taverns, it was a hub for local news and community life.
Other Notable Former Public Houses and Coffeehouses
Here is a list of some other places that once existed in Boston:
- Admiral Vernon, southeast corner of State and Merchants Row.
- Albion, north corner of Beacon and Tremont.
- Black Horse, west side of Prince Street.
- Blue Anchor, Globe Building.
- British Coffee House, 66 State Street.
- Bull, southwest corner of Summer and Federal.
- Bull's Head, northeast corner Congress and Water.
- Castle, southwest corner Dock Square and Elm.
- Columbian Coffee House, 17 Court Street.
- Commercial Coffee House, northeast corner Milk and Batterymarch.
- Congress House, northeast corner Pearl and High.
- Cornhill Coffee House, Cornhill Court.
- Cromwell's Head, 13 School Street.
- Crown Coffee House, southwest corner State and Chatham Row.
- Dolphin, Fish, later North Street.
- Eagle Coffee House, Lewis corner Fulton.
- Earle's Coffee House, 24 Hanover Street.
- Eastern Stage House, 90 North Street.
- Elephant, off North Street.
- Elm Street Hotel, northeast corner Elm and Washington.
- Franklin House, Merchants Row opposite Clinton.
- George, Washington south of Lenox.
- German Coffee House, 155 Pleasant Street.
- Golden Ball, southeast corner Chatham and Merchants Row.
- Grand Turk, Bijou Theatre.
- Greyhound, Washington opposite Vernon.
- Half Moon, south corner Portland and Hanover.
- Hancock House, Corn Court.
- Holland's Coffee House, Howard near Court.
- Horse Shoe, Tremont near Boylston.
- Indian Queen, Bromfield Street.
- Jefferson House, Prince Street, south side.
- King's Arms, southeast corner Brattle and Washington.
- King's Head, northeast corner Lewis and North.
- Lafayette House, Washington opposite Boylston Market.
- Lamb, Adams House.
- Liberty Tree, southeast corner Essex and Washington.
- Lighthouse, northwest corner State and Devonshire.
- Lion, Bijou Theatre.
- Mansion House, Milk between Hawley and Arch.
- Marlboro Hotel, formerly Rising Sun.
- Marlborough Head, King now State Street.
- Mitre, Ship now Commercial.
- Montgomery House, northeast corner Bromfield and Tremont.
- Mt. Washington House, Washington Heights.
- New England Coffee House, Clinton Street.
- Noah's Ark, or Ship Tavern.
- Oliver Cromwell Tavern, School St.
- Orange Tree, northeast corner Court and Hanover.
- Paine's Tavern or White Horse.
- Peacock, southwest corner Centre and Allandale.
- Pearl Street House, northwest corner Pearl and Milk.
- Philadelphia, opposite Hancock Wharf, North Street.
- Pine Tree, Dock Square.
- Punch Bowl, Dock Square. (1789)
- Queen's Head, northwest corner North and Clark.
- Red Lion, northwest corner Richmond and North.
- Rising Sun, Washington nearly opposite Franklin.
- Roebuck, Merchants Row, between Clinton and North.
- Rose and Crown, southwest corner State and Devonshire.
- Salutation, northwest corner Hanover and Salutation.
- Seven Star, west corner Summer and Hawley.
- Shakespeare, Water below Devonshire.
- Ship in Distress, Fleet opposite Moon.
- Ship, North near Fleet.
- Star, northeast corner Hanover and Union.
- State Arms, southeast corner State and Exchange.
- Sun, southwest corner Dock and Faneuil Hall Squares.
- Swan, northeast corner Fleet and North.
- Swan, Washington corner Hollis.
- Three Mariners, State near Merchants Row.
- Tremont House, south corner Tremont and Beacon.
- Washington Coffee House, Boston Transcript.
- Washington Hotel, later Bromfield House.
- Washington House, Washington Market.
- Wilde's, Elm junction of Washington.
- Winthrop House, Masonic Temple.
- Yankee Hero, Elm Street.
See also
- List of public house topics
