As we approach the eve of America’s anniversary, we celebrate the people and places that formed our fledgling nation 250 years ago. Many know about the heroic activities of our founding fathers in places like Boston and Philadelphia, but important events occurred at sites up and down the East Coast.
In 2006, archaeologists from Dovetail Cultural Resources Group (now Mead & Hunt) had the incredible fortune to excavate one of these key sites—the Indian Queen Tavern in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Once located at the corner of Caroline and Charlotte streets, the tavern’s remains were found under the pavement of a parking lot. Through careful research and excavation, layer by layer, the team peeled back 300 years of Fredericksburg history and reached the foundation of a tavern where the Founding Fathers raised glasses, voices, and ideas that built a nation.
Where Revolution Was on the Menu
Built in 1771, the Indian Queen Tavern was the preferred lodging and social arena in town for over 50 years. The venue hosted balls and art exhibits, and it held a celebrated restaurant where sea turtle soup was the specialty. Given its location in the geographic center of the colonies, the tavern quickly became a central hub for meetings held by numerous influential Americans in the years before the Revolution.
In fact, the Statute of Religious Liberty that became the basis for the Declaration of Independence was considered, adopted, and written at the Indian Queen. The document committee comprised Thomas Jefferson, George Wythe, Archibald Cary, George Mason, and Ludwell Lee, who met repeatedly on site to help frame our future country.
Another frequent visitor was George Washington, who grew up across the river from Fredericksburg. His mother, Mary, lived in town for most of her later life. As told by historian Dabney Fontaine Maury, when Washington was in Fredericksburg, “a dinner party was usually given to him on his arrival at the old Indian Queen Tavern, where, tradition tells us, drink was deep and play was high.” The tavern remained a pivotal social spot until it burned in 1832.
Beef, Wine, and Marbles: A Tavern Revealed
During the 2006 dig, the archaeological team found the foundation of the Indian Queen as well as several other buildings on the parcel that helped to support tavern activities, like a meat house, smoke house, privy, stable, and even a billiards hall. The tavern had a stone foundation and a two-story main building. Due to its popularity, the tavern was expanded at least three times over the years to accommodate additional guests.
The more than 100,000 artifacts that were recovered showcased the plates that were used by diners and the glassware that held beverages. They also revealed what tavern visitors ate and drank. The answer? A lot of beef and wine! Many personal artifacts were also found, like pipestems, marbles, eyeglass lenses, and coins. All tell the story of this significant place.
Raise a Toast to History
The archaeological studies at the Indian Queen Tavern site in Fredericksburg remind us that history is all around us. Many places mark key events in our past that helped to make us the country we are today.
As we gather this Independence Day to mark our nation’s 250th anniversary, we hope that your celebrations make you laugh like George, drink like Thomas, and bring merriment to you, your friends, and your family. Happy 4th of July!
