The White Horse was a tavern on Washington Street 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.
Several taverns were clustered on old Newbury Street in the 18th century: Lamb Tavern, Liberty Tavern, and Red Lion.[2] For at least some years of its existence, possibly around 1798, the White Horse building "was of wood and of two stories,"[3] with 26 windows.[4]
Prior to 1700, the White Horse was owned by the William Colburn (aka William Colburne) family.[5] 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). After Brattle, the tavern was owned by Jonathan Dwight (1740-ca.1765?). Managers included Mrs. Moulton (licensed in 1764). The next owner was Joseph Morton (1765–1791). In May, 1787, Israel Hatch of Attleboro took over as manager of the tavern.[6] Subsequent owners included Joseph Morton's son, Perez Morton (1791-ca.1798); and Aaron Emmes (1798).[7]
The White Horse is featured in a scene in the novel The Rebels: Or, Boston Before the Revolution by Lydia Maria Child (1850).