Taverns in the British colonies of North America were closely modeled on the ordinaries of the mother country. These institutions were influential in the development of new settlements, serving as gathering spaces for the community. Taverns served many purposes such as courtrooms, religious meetings, trading posts, inns, post offices, and convenience stores. In a capital city like Williamsburg, they served above all as places to dine and lodge the night, but locals and visitors alike might frequent taverns for sport and play, for banqueting, even to receive their mail. Please join historic tavern supervisor at Colonial Williamsburg Gene Mitchell for this fascinating look into the tavern life of our national past.