White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern was a two-story wooden building in colonial Boston with a large sign displaying a white horse at its entrance. The structure stood at the intersection near Frog Lane, making it easy for visitors to locate.

The establishment operated throughout the 1700s under several owners, beginning with William Colburn and eventually passing to Aaron Emmes by 1799. The succession of proprietors reflects the changing commercial life of colonial and early independent Boston.

The tavern served as a gathering place where colonial Boston residents came together for conversation and community. It held a similar role to nearby establishments like the Lamb Tavern, Liberty Tavern, and Red Lion.

The tavern occupied a location on what would later become Washington Street, providing a helpful landmark for navigation in the growing city. Its central position made it accessible to people moving through colonial Boston.

Thomas Brattle employed licensed managers Thomas Chamberlain and William Cleeres, who obtained their permits in 1717 and 1718 respectively. This formal licensing system shows how the tavern industry in Boston was becoming more regulated even in the early colonial period.

Location: Boston

GPS coordinates: 42.35200,-71.06300

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:40