Celebrate 1783!
The British left New York at the end of the Revolutionary War
… 225 years ago.

General George Washington bade farewell to his officers
… 225 years ago.

and Fraunces Tavern was at the center of it all
… 225 years ago.

"G. Washington Farewell Interview with the Generals of his Army on Retiring from his Command," attributed to Christopher Lawrence, United States, 1876 - 1879. Gift of LaVerne Crawford, 1985. Collection of Fraunces Tavern® Museum.

The date: 4 December 1783
The place: the Long Room, Fraunces Tavern, New York

Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge reports:
"After partaking of a slight refreshment in almost breathless silence the Gen. filled his glass with wine and turning to the officers said, 'With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.' After the officers had taken a glass of wine the Gen. said, 'I cannot come to each of you, but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.'

"Gen. Knox being nearest to him turned to the Commander In Chief Who suffused in tears was incapable of utterance but grasped his hand when they embraced each other in silence. In the same affectionate manner every officer in the room marched up, kissed and parted with his general in chief. Such a scene of sorrow and weeping I had never before witnessed and fondly hope I may never be called to witness again."

From the original manuscript, "The Memoir of Col. Benjamin Tallmadge," p. 103. Collection of Fraunces Tavern® Museum. This is the only known extant eyewitness account of Washington's farewell to his officers.

About the Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum is a survivor of the early days of New York City. It was built in 1719 as an elegant residence for the merchant Stephan Delancey and his family. In 1762, the home was purchased by tavern-keeper Samuel Fraunces, who turned it into one of the most popular taverns of the day. Though it is best known as the site where Washington gave his farewell address to the officers of the Continental Army, in 1783, the tavern also played a significant role in pre-Revolutionary activities. After the war, when New York was the nation’s first capital, the tavern was rented to the new government to house the offices of the Departments of War, Treasury and Foreign Affairs.

In 1904, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York purchased the tavern and hired preservation architect William Mersereau to return the building to its colonial appearance. Fraunces Tavern® Museum opened to the public in 1907. Today, the museum complex includes four 19th century buildings in addition to the 18th century Fraunces Tavern building.

Fraunces Tavern® Museum is located at 54 Pearl Street, Manhattan. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 12 – 5pm. Admission: $4.00 general, $3.00 seniors and children under 18, and free to children under 6 and to members with membership card. Subway: R or W to Whitehall St., 4/5 to Bowling Green, 1 South Ferry, J/M/Z to Broad St. Buses: M1, M6, M15.