The Discover of Boston's First Mom and Pop Shop: The Three Cranes Tavern

Amid the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of Boston, a piece of early American history was hidden under the foundations of buildings and obscure archaeological records. In 1985, during the excavation project for the Big Dig in Charlestown, workers stumbled upon the site of a long-forgotten tavern, the Three Cranes Tavern, marking a significant chapter in the city's early history.

The Discovery

Excavations for the historic Big Dig project, a massive transportation project, often uncover intriguing artifacts and historical sites. When the workers unearthed the remains of a small building near what is now known as Charlestown, they immediately contacted archaeologists to investigate the findings. After thorough investigations and research into old records, the site was confirmed to be the foundation of the Three Cranes Tavern, historically Boston's first tavern and an important place during the early days of the city. Not only was it the temporary home of Governor Winthrop and the location where the Mayflower Compact was briefly kept, but it also signifies the early settlers' life in the area.

From Pilgrims to Puritans

It's worth noting that the Pilgrims, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, did not initially land in Boston but in a nearby area. The historical narrative then shifts to the Puritans, who later settled in Charlestown due to issues with water supply. The Puritans, led by John Winthrop, purchased the land from Blaxton in 1630 to establish a new settlement in Boston, naming it after St Botolph, a town in England known as Botolph's beacon on the fen. This area was chosen due to its proximity to the Charles River, a significant natural resource for the early settlers.

The Three Cranes Tavern

The Three Cranes Tavern, initially founded by a married couple, John and Mary Long, became an important landmark in early Boston. As the settlement grew and prospered, the tavern expanded to serve the diverse needs of the growing community. After the death of her husband, Mary Long not only took over the tavern but also thrived, which was remarkable considering the Puritanical attitudes of the time that did not approve of women running taverns nor allowing them to prosper. This early success and her entrepreneurial spirit were notable mainly due to the prevailing social norms of the era.

The Revolutionary Era

During the Revolutionary War, the Three Cranes Tavern experienced a dark phase. In 1775, the tavern's building was destroyed during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Fighting in Charlestown, including the tavern, led the British forces to bomb and burn down the area. This disruption and destruction cost the region over 700,000 dollars to rebuild after the war, making it among the most expensive repairs from the Revolutionary War.

Following the war, Charlestown was eventually incorporated into Boston, and the Three Cranes Tavern, with its foundation and memories, was largely forgotten until the Big Dig excavation in 1985. Today, the outlines of the foundation stones can still be seen in the park created around the site, a testament to the longevity and historical significance of this early establishment.