William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Keeper of the House
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 22, 2017
1. The Keeper of the House Marker Text
(George Washington to Samuel Fraunces)
Jamaican-born Samuel "Black Sam" Fraunces, owner of the Fraunces Tavern in New York City, was so highly regarded for his hospitality and patriotism that President Washington hired him as his steward in Philadelphia. The relationship went back to the Revolution when Fraunces often hosted Washington and his officers at the tavern. Despite his nickname, some believe him to have been white.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 57.029′ N, 75° 9.002′ W. Marker was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It was in William Penn Annex
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Southeast Pennsylvania. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Treaties and Appointments (here, next to this marker); The Executive Mansion (here, next to this marker); Commander in Chief (here, next to this marker); William Howe (here, next to this marker); Selecting a President (here, next to this marker); State of the Union (here, next to this marker); What is Executive Power? (here, next to this marker); The President's House (here, next to
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 22, 2017
2. The Keeper of the House Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Suppressing the Opposition (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The House & the People Who Worked & Lived In It (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); "I will fear no Evil" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "An Act respecting fugitives from Justice" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "We shall come to a civil war" (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); "Burn this treaty to Hell!" (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "I am free now" (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); The Dirty Business of Slavery (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The marker is highly reflective and difficult to photograph straight on.
Also see . . .
1. Samuel Fraunces Bio. (Submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Samuel Fraunces: Black Man or White Man?.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 22, 2017
3. The Keeper of the House Marker
3. Samuel Fraunces. (Submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
4. Black Samuel Fraunces. (Submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
