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Location: Details at 30 N Queen Street. On the right-hand side of the building, find the plaque that commemorates the site.
Challenge: Take a photograph of yourself standing with the plaque.
History Brief: Believe it or not, but you are now standing at the epicenter for the spirit of independence in Lancaster County. It was here that the Grape Hotel once stood. Owned and operated by patriotic proprietor Adam Reigart, the tavern served as general headquarters and meeting place during the Revolutionary War.
The Grape Hotel or Sign of the Grape Tavern was established in 1742 and became one of the most popular taverns among local revolutionary leaders in the early 1770s.
The Grape was used extensively by the Committees of Observation and Safety, especially during the Revolution’s early years. Reigart owned several other taverns in the region that were also used as communication and organization centers for the patriot cause.
These “committees” were groups of local Patriots who acted as a shadow government, usurping control of the colonies from royal officials during the American Revolution.
Following the news of the Battle of Lexington, Lancaster citizens met at the Grape to organize volunteer militia companies.
Reigart eventually joined the colonial militia, serving under his close friend and confidant, General Edward Hand. Reigart also supplied large quantities and agricultural products to the army through the several farms he owned. However, he was never compensated for most of the supplies and suffered substantial financial losses.
At least two presidents have enjoyed dining here. The Grape was one of George Washington’s favorite colonial inns. Later, before becoming the 15th President, James Buchanan, was said to frequent the Grape Hotel.
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Home | Thaddeus Stevens’ Tomb | Water Street Bindery | Devil Dave | Second Oldest Clock | Soldiers & Sailors Monument | The Grape | Moravian Church Cemetery | Andrew Ellicott | Staircase | Claiming Your Prize