Munroe Tavern

Tavern keeper William Munroe was the prototype of what we today think of as the aggressive, competent, and hard-working “Yankee” capable of juggling several jobs at once. When in 1770 he purchased a ”mansion house, barn, workhouse, and ¾ of a potash house located on 26 acres of land”, he not only continued his trade as a cooper but also farmed the acreage and opened the tavern that continues to bear his name.

Tavern keeper William Munroe was the prototype of what we today think of as the aggressive, competent, and hard-working “Yankee” capable of juggling several jobs at once. When in 1770 he purchased a ”mansion house, barn, workhouse, and ¾ of a potash house located on 26 acres of land”, he not only continued his trade as a cooper but also farmed the acreage and opened the tavern that continues to bear his name.

William also served as Orderly Sergeant in Captain John Parkers Militia Company and as such was closely involved in the events of April 18 and 19, 1775. The retreating British used Munroe Tavern as a field hospital on the afternoon of April 19, 1775.

President George Washington dined at the tavern in November of 1789 during his tour throughout the states. He wrote in his journal: “viewed the spot on which the first blood was [spilled] in the dispute with Great Britain”. The Reverend Jonas Clarke wrote in his journal that same day “President Washington came to Lexington, dined at Col. Munroe’s.”

Munroe Tavern is owned and operated as a historic house museum by the Lexington Historical Society.

Take a few moments to walk the paths through the Garden of Colonial Flowers. This garden was created and is maintained by the Lexington Garden Club, which has the distinction of being the oldest garden club in the nation.

Carefully re-cross the street for the best view of the Sanderson House, which is to the left of Munroe Tavern.