Not only was Alexander Hamilton here, but so too was just about the entire constellation of known and unknown Revolutionary War patriots. Fraunces Tavern also plays an interesting role in African-American History.

Standing at the corner of Broad and Pearl Streets, the building popularly known as Fraunces Tavern has stood since 1719. It is often hailed as the oldest original building in New York City. (Recall that about 1/3 of New York City burned to the ground in 1776, during a mysterious fire that took place shortly after the British occupied the city).

Taverns both in Britain and America had become established, informal “free speech zones” of a sort. And as American patriots hoisted flagons of ale, wine, and punch in the late Colonial era, Fraunces Tavern—first operating as “The Queen’s Head Tavern”—was a hotbed of political activity. It was specifically known to be a headquarters of the Sons of Liberty—organized resistors of Crown and Parliament authority, whom Hamilton disapproved of at first. But Hamilton, as he was eventually radicalized towards the American independence movement, found himself working ever more closely with them.

Hamilton certainly would have had plenty of opportunity to raise a glass at Fraunces Tavern throughout his early career. And even after the Revolutionary War, he would have been to Fraunces Tavern possibly on a daily basis. It is a much-celebrated fact that George Washington bid farewell to his officers at a tearful and boozy affair here. But we don’t know if Hamilton attended: his relationship with Washington was somewhat rocky at that specific time in 1783.

Years after New York City was returned to American control and eventually became the nation’s first capital, the federal government leased space in the building for administrative offices. This included the Treasury Department, of which Hamilton of course was in charge.

According to Hamilton’s personal cash book for 1782-1791, he had several business transactions with Samuel Fraunces, the tavern’s proprietor. Both Hamilton and Aaron Burr likewise both visited the establishment on the same night in 1804, just a week before the latter shot and killed the former in their infamous duel.

Interestingly enough, barkeeper Samuel Fraunces also served as George Washington’s steward. Rumors persist to this day that Fraunces was of mixed race, but with light enough skin to pass as white. The tavern was colloquially known as “Black Sam’s” in its heyday.

And just before the Redcoats evacuated Manhattan, British General Samuel Birch held a number of hearings here to establish the future status of many thousands of runaway slaves who had taken their freedom from supposedly liberty-loving American masters and joined the British side.

Birch, though treacherous to some, delivered to many blacks the opportunity to move to Britain or British Canada—especially Nova Scotia—to live the rest of their lives in freedom.

And finally, Lin Manuel Miranda is on the record having visited Fraunces Tavern during the research and writing of the smash Broadway musical. The numbers “Aaron Burr, Sir” and “My Shot” are imagined as having happened here.