Society Hill in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Fraunces Tavern

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010

1. Fraunces Tavern Marker

Inscription. Here stood Fraunces Tavern, established by Samuel Fraunces after moving from New York where he had operated a famous tavern. He served as George Washington’s chief cook, 1790–94, while the President lived in Philadelphia.

Erected 1991 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list.

Location. 39° 56.783′ N, 75° 8.683′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Society Hill. Marker is on Dock Street near South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east. It is at the taxi stand. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Drinker House (within shouting distance of this marker); City Tavern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The City Tavern (about 300 feet away); William Penn (about 300 feet away); John Bankson Palmer (about

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400 feet away); House Where Lived in 1791 Alexander Hamilton (about 400 feet away); The names of the streets… (about 400 feet away); Hannah Callowhill Penn (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It is the Fraunces Tavern marker in New York City.

Also see . . .
1. Samuel Fraunces, A Revolutionary Tavern Keeper. 2007 article by Linda J Bottjer. “In 1783, the [New York City] tavern served as both a place for a victory party and the site of Washington’s farewell to his officers. In November of that same year Washington wrote to a William Smith asking him to acquire from Fraunces the name of a dentist who might ease the General’s problematic dental pains. Fraunces’ expertise was also required by Washington to assist in finding a housekeeper for Mount Vernon who could relieve Martha Washington of the drudgery of ordering and assure the household was run with things economically used. In 1789 upon assuming the Presidency Washington asked his friend to become First Steward of the Executive Mansion. When the government

Fraunces Tavern Marker at Taxi Stand image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010

2. Fraunces Tavern Marker at Taxi Stand

moved to Philadelphia, the following year, Fraunces continued serving at the pleasure of the President. Following his 1792 retirement he remained in the capital city, once again opening a tavern on Dock Street.” (Submitted on May 26, 2010.)

2. Fraunces Tavern - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 14, 2010

3. Fraunces Tavern Marker

The old Philadelphia Exchange building, also on Dock Street, is in the distance.

Samuel Fraunces image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown Artist

4. Samuel Fraunces

Portrait hangs at the Fraunces Tavern Museum in New York City.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,377 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 26, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.