Welcome to another installment of Tavern History Tuesday! We have a fascinating story for you today. You may recall one of our earlier entries discussing the pivotal role Tappahannock played in the events surrounding the Stamp Act. For those who need a refresher, here's a brief recount of that significant moment in history.

On February 27th, 1766, a group of men from Essex gathered at what was then known as Emerson’s Ordinary. Under the leadership of Meriwether Smith, they embarked on a journey by river ferry to Brays Church in Leedstown, Westmoreland. Their mission was to sign the Leedstown Resolutions, a document comprising six resolutions that affirmed their loyalty to England while articulating their grievances against the Crown. This was among the earliest expressions of dissent in the American colonies.

The following day, February 28th, 1766, saw further decisive action. 400 men, identifying themselves as the Sons of Liberty, once again congregated at Emerson’s Ordinary. They compelled Archibald Ritchie, a prominent figure in the community, to publicly apologize for his support of the Stamp Act and to align himself with the Patriots. Additionally, another Scottish merchant, Archibald McCall, was coerced into switching allegiances after being tarred and feathered by the group. With the two major merchants of Tappahannock now supporting the Patriot cause, the local boycotts held firm, contributing to the repeal of the Stamp Act by England on March 18th, 1766. It's noteworthy that these events took place a full seven years before the more widely recognized Boston Tea Party, which is often associated with the Sons of Liberty.

The story doesn’t end there. Today, we are privileged to share a piece of correspondence from none other than Samuel Adams, the renowned leader of the Sons of Liberty and a pivotal figure in American history. This letter was sent to the people of Tappahannock in gratitude for their generous donation of grain and corn during the Boston Tea Party. The contributions from Tappahannock's citizens provided much-needed support to Boston during a challenging time, and Samuel Adams expressed his heartfelt appreciation for this solidarity.

This account highlights the integral role Tappahannock played in the early revolutionary efforts and the broader narrative of American independence. Our beloved tavern is steeped in history, as is the town of Tappahannock itself. We take great pride in sharing these historical treasures with you and hope that you find them as enlightening as we do.

As we continue to explore our rich heritage, we encourage you to delve deeper into the history of our area. For more information, visit the Essex County Museum or explore their website. And, of course, we invite you to visit us at 1710 Tavern, where you can experience a piece of this history firsthand. Until next week, stay curious and continue discovering the fascinating stories of our historic home.