"Francis Tavern" - a museum and restaurant, preserving the memory of the key events in American history. In a small modest house, is now surrounded by skyscrapers, there were events that shaped the face of the country.

The building is long before the American Revolution (in 1719) built a French Huguenot Etienne de Lancy. In 1762 the house was bought by restaurateur Samuel Francis and arranged tavern here.

Restaurant quickly gained popularity, it met the "sons of liberty", supporters of independence of the American colonies. In those days the tavern often became centers of attraction for the various communities: during the feast were based, for example, the New York Chamber of Commerce, and Librarianship Society. However, the Patriots were going to the tavern for long: during the War of Independence, New York became the main base of the British troops. At this time tavern worked irregularly, it is known that in 1780, the colonial governor of Tyrone gave a dinner here with the participation of British generals.

In 1783, it was here that was negotiated with the British to order the evacuation of their troops. New York was the last city that left the invaders, and December 4, 1783 the victorious commander in chief of the Continental Army, George Washington asked his officers to the tavern "Frances" - to say goodbye. The credibility of Washington at this time was such that he could retain power. But he resigned after only nine days after the departure of the last British ship and becoming a private citizen, retired to his estate.

Farewell happened in the long hall - there is now reconstructed the interior of the time: the simple tables and chairs, banners. According to the memoirs of contemporaries, Washington shook the hand of every officer and said his heart is full of love and gratitude to them.

This revolutionary history of the tavern is not over. After the election of US President George Washington in a small building in the course of the year available in the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Treasury and the Ministry of War. When the capital moved to Philadelphia, government agencies have left the house, and now nothing to prevent the tavern regulars.

In the XIX century the building is not just burned, it was rebuilt, it now bears little resemblance to the original. In 1900, he even going to tear down, but opposed the "Daughters of the American Revolution" - women's patriotic organization. In 1907 the building was reconstructed, trying to recreate its historical appearance (reliably do this was impossible: drawings and images are not saved).

Now here it is located a tavern, restaurant and museum. The museum - the banner of the era of the War of Independence, the portraits of Washington, recreated room where Governor George Clinton gave a dinner in honor of George Washington. The tavern and restaurant - beer is not worse than what they drank here the officers of the Continental Army in tears seeing his commander.