The Keeper of the House
"You have invariably through the most trying times maintained a constant friendship and attention to the cause of our country and its independence and freedom."
(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. 39° 57.029′ N, 75° 9.002′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. It is at the intersection of Market Street and South Independence Mall West (6th Street), on the right when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Market St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers.
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The House & the People Who Worked & Lived In It (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); "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); The Executive Branch (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?. (Submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
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 February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
