Green Dragon Tavern

Established in 1654, The Green Dragon was a favorite haunt of Paul Revere and John Hancock (whose brother lived next door) The original location was where the present Orange Line entrance to Haymarket station on Congress St is but moved a few times to it’s current spot here.

This was a popular spot for local patriots and from here the Sons of Liberty held their first secret missions. They wore a jewel around their necks with a picture of the Liberty Tree on it. They had a secret language and used codes in their communiques. Couriers would hang out between missions in this basement tavern.

The Boston Committee of Correspondence was formed here after a few initial meetings at Joseph Warren’s house which was a few doors away. The Boston Caucus also met here. The Sons of Liberty met here so often that the Green Dragon came to be called the "Headquarters of the American Revolution." Eventually they were discovered and as they grew met in larger venues.

It was likely in the basement tavern called the Green Dragon (above which was the Saint Andrews Masonic Lodge) where Paul Revere and William Dawes were informed by Dr Joseph Warren (Grandmaster of the Freemasons) of the plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord. This tavern at the time was near the medical office of Joseph Warren (behind JFK building, estimated at center of current Government Center Plaza estimated at 42.360793, -71.058925)

From here Paul Revere set out across the harbor to a prepared horse on his famous ride. (See Paul Revere Statue) Warren also had sent the notice for signal at Old North Church. The original tavern burned down years ago. For more details about the Masonic history there’s a video in the “historycamp” link. (last link)

-Source Links-

For a popular colonial alcoholic drink called Flip see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSFuc71vkzI

https://www.massar.org/bostons-historic-taverns/

http://www.boston-tea-party.org/mystery.html https://historycamp.org/andrew-cotten-mfa-bostons-green-dragon-tavern-the-headquarters-of-the-revolution/

https://www.drjosephwarren.com/2013/03/modern-location-of-joseph-warrens-north-end-house/