White Horse Tavern (Boston, Massachusetts)

The White Horse was a tavern in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 17th and 18th centuries. A well-known gathering place in colonial Boston, it "had a large square sign projecting over the footway, on which was delineated a white charger."^[1] Located near Boylston Street, the White Horse was frequently mentioned as a wayfinder to other establishments nearby.

Detail of 1723 map of Boston. The White Horse Tavern stood on Newbury (later Washington Street), near Frog Lane (later Boylston Street).

A number of taverns were clustered on old Newbury Street in the 18th century: Lamb Tavern, Liberty Tavern, and Red Lion.^[2]

Prior to 1700, the White Horse was owned by the William Colburn (aka William Colburne) family.^{[citation needed]} Under the ownership of Thomas Brattle (1700-ca.1740), the tavern was managed by Thomas Chamberlain (licensed in 1717), and William Cleeres (licensed in 1718).^{[citation needed]} After Brattle, the tavern was owned by Jonathan Dwight (1740-ca.1765?).^{[citation needed]} Managers included Mrs. Moulton (licensed in 1764).^{[citation needed]} The next owner was Joseph Morton (1765–1791).^{[citation needed]} In May, 1787, Israel Hatch of Attleboro took over as manager of the tavern.^[3] Subsequent owners included Joseph Morton's son, Perez Morton (1791–1799); and Aaron Emmes (1799^[4]).^[5]

The White Horse is featured in a scene in the novel The Rebels: Or, Boston Before the Revolution by Lydia Maria Child (1850).