On this day, General George Washington delivered his emotional farewell address to his officers of the Continental Army at Fraunces Tavern in New York City. The tavern was owned by Samuel “Black Sam” Fraunces, a wealthy man of African and French descent from the French West Indies.

Fraunces played a significant but often overlooked role in the American Revolution. He aided the Revolutionary forces by supplying food, intelligence, and financial support, and used his establishment as a meeting place for key revolutionary figures. Later, he served as George Washington’s chief steward, even credited with foiling a plot to poison Washington.

Samuel Fraunces is a vital figure in early American history—a symbol of Black patriotism and service during the founding of the United States.