Bottoms Up

Taverns were important places during the Revolutionary Era. In Charles Town, it is estimated that there was one tavern for every five white males by 1776. Besides discussing politics over a pint (or perhaps rum), patrons would often be treated to concerts, plays and operas in the longroom upstairs in the larger taverns. In fact, the first opera to be performed in North America was performed in the longroom of Shepheard's Tavern on the corner of Church and Broad Streets. Coincidentally, that same opera, Flora, will also be performed at this year's Spoleto Festival in Charleston in May.