Editor’s Choice | The Green Dragon Tavern, Boston
The Green Dragon Tavern
The Green Dragon Tavern has a long and rich history, playing an important part in the freedom of Boston during the War of Independence. Established in 1654, The Green Dragon was a favourite haunt of Paul Revere (whom they considered a close neighbour) and John Hancock (whose brother lived next door!). It has been ratified by Daniel Webster – the famous historian, that it was indeed in the Green Dragon that the plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord were overheard thus starting the famous ride of Paul Revere.
Sam Smith Sunday
Today, The Green Dragon still plays host to a diverse and colourful clientele, though the practice of eavesdropping has long since stopped! With a full lunch and dinner menu, it is a popular eatery with visitors to Boston who enjoy dining in a working piece of history! With a full array of Irish-American fare and a wide selection of traditional New England Seafood dishes, The Green Dragon offers a variety of options for even the most discerning palette.
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Paul Revere (1734–1818) was an American silversmith, engraver, and patriot during the American Revolution. He is best known for his "Midnight Ride" on April 18, 1775, where he rode from Boston to Lexington, Massachusetts, to warn colonial militia of the approaching British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. This event was later immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the poem "Paul Revere's Ride," though the poem took some liberties with the historical details.
Early Life
Paul Revere was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and apprenticed under his father, who was also a silversmith. He eventually took over the family business and became a prominent craftsman in Boston, known for his silverware and engravings. Revere also dabbled in other trades, including dentistry.
Revolutionary Activities
Revere was an active member of the Sons of Liberty, a group of patriots who opposed British policies. He played a significant role in organizing resistance against British rule, including participating in the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
The Midnight Ride
On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere was dispatched by Dr. Joseph Warren to alert John Hancock and Samuel Adams, key leaders of the American resistance, that British troops were moving to arrest them and seize military supplies stored by the colonists. Revere set out on horseback, crossing the Charles River and riding through the towns of Medford, Arlington (then called Menotomy), and Lexington, spreading the warning. He was joined by other riders, including William Dawes and Samuel Prescott. While Revere was eventually captured by a British patrol, his warning had already been spread.
Later Life
After the war, Revere continued his work as a silversmith and expanded his business into other areas, including iron casting, bronze bell manufacturing, and even establishing one of America's first copper rolling mills. Revere's legacy is celebrated as a symbol of American patriotism, and his ride remains a significant event in U.S. history.
Legacy
Revere's role in the Revolution was pivotal in galvanizing colonial resistance against British forces. His story, though somewhat mythologized, remains an enduring symbol of American independence and the fight for freedom.
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John Hancock (1737–1793) was an American statesman, merchant, and prominent patriot of the American Revolution. He is most famous for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, where he served as the President of the Continental Congress. His signature was so prominent that "John Hancock" has become a colloquial term in the United States for a signature.
Early Life and Career
John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), into a wealthy family. He was orphaned as a child and adopted by his uncle, Thomas Hancock, a successful merchant. After graduating from Harvard College in 1754, Hancock went to work for his uncle's shipping business. When his uncle died in 1764, Hancock inherited the business, making him one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies.
Role in the American Revolution
Hancock’s wealth and influence made him an early target of British authorities, who saw him as a leader of colonial resistance. He was a key member of the Sons of Liberty, a group of patriots opposing British policies. In 1768, Hancock’s ship, the Liberty, was seized by British customs officials on charges of smuggling, leading to riots in Boston. This event further solidified his role as a prominent figure in the resistance against British rule.
The Continental Congress
Hancock was elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress in 1775 and became its President, serving from 1775 to 1777. During his tenure, he presided over the Congress during some of the most critical moments of the American Revolution, including the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration, doing so with a large, bold signature that has since become iconic.
Later Life and Political Career
After his time in the Continental Congress, Hancock returned to Massachusetts, where he served as the state's first Governor. He held the position for multiple terms between 1780 and 1793. Hancock was popular among the people, and his leadership helped stabilize the young state during the early years of the United States.
Legacy
John Hancock's name is synonymous with the American fight for independence. His leadership, both in the Continental Congress and as Governor of Massachusetts, played a crucial role in the early success of the American Revolution. His bold signature on the Declaration of Independence has become a symbol of American defiance and the pursuit of liberty.
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Daniel Webster (1782–1852) was a prominent American statesman, lawyer, and orator, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the early 19th century. His career spanned several decades during which he played a key role in shaping American politics, particularly in the areas of national unity and the legal foundations of the U.S. Constitution.
Early Life and Education
Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, and grew up in a large farming family. Despite his humble beginnings, Webster's intellect was recognized early on, and he attended Phillips Exeter Academy before enrolling at Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1801. After college, Webster studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1805, beginning his legal career in Boston.
Legal Career
Webster quickly gained a reputation as one of the nation's top lawyers. His legal arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in cases such as Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819) and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) helped to define the constitutional principles of federalism and the protection of contracts. His eloquence and logical reasoning earned him national recognition and established him as one of the leading constitutional lawyers of his time.
Political Career
Webster's political career was extensive, serving as a U.S. Representative, Senator, and Secretary of State. He was a leading member of the Federalist Party and later the Whig Party, and he was known for his strong nationalist views.
U.S. Congress: Webster first served as a U.S. Representative from New Hampshire (1813-1817) and later from Massachusetts (1823-1827). He was then elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served multiple terms (1827-1841, 1845-1850). Webster was a powerful advocate for preserving the Union and often spoke against sectionalism and secession.
Secretary of State: Webster served twice as Secretary of State, under Presidents William Henry Harrison and John Tyler (1841-1843) and later under Millard Fillmore (1850-1852). He is best known for negotiating the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, which settled a long-standing boundary dispute between the U.S. and Canada.
The “Great Triumvirate”
Webster was part of the “Great Triumvirate,” a group of three powerful senators that also included Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. These three men dominated American politics in the first half of the 19th century, each representing different regional interests. Webster was the voice of the North, advocating for a strong federal government and industrial development.
The Compromise of 1850
One of Webster's most famous moments came in 1850, when he delivered his "Seventh of March" speech in support of the Compromise of 1850, a series of measures designed to defuse tensions between free and slave states. Although his support for the Compromise, which included the controversial Fugitive Slave Act, was unpopular in his home state of Massachusetts, Webster believed it was necessary to preserve the Union.
Legacy
Daniel Webster is remembered as one of America's greatest orators and a leading defender of the Constitution. His speeches, particularly on the topics of national unity and the Constitution, are still studied for their rhetorical brilliance and depth of thought. Despite his political and legal achievements, Webster's legacy is also marked by his complex and sometimes contradictory positions, particularly regarding slavery and national compromise. Nonetheless, his contributions to American law and politics were significant, and his commitment to preserving the Union left an indelible mark on U.S. history.
