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Colonial Trade

Blunt Tavern: Colony to Young Nation

Blunt Tavern: Colony to Young Nation

In many ways, the Blunt Tavern met a fate like that of the Jenkins Post House when the railroad arrived in Andover, MA, in 1832. By 1833, Captain Isaac Blunt and his son, Major Samuel Phelps Blunt, found themselves grappling with debt stemming from mortgages, debts, and taxes on their

Salem Poor: Slave to War Hero

Salem Poor: Slave to War Hero

Salem Poor, a heroic figure of the Revolutionary War, was commemorated on a US postage stamp. His remarkable journey included rising from the bonds of slavery, though he ultimately passed away in modest circumstances. Salem Poor's story begins when he was acquired by John and Rebecca Poor in

Rum and the Revolution

Rum and the Revolution

When I began delving into the history of the Molasses and Sugar Acts of the 1700s through the lens of taverns, I gained a newfound appreciation for the significance of molasses and rum in the events leading up to the Revolution. It's intriguing how our education primarily focused

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

It's truly fascinating to think about the extent of international trade that occurred during the 17th century, even in a town like Andover. This frontier town rapidly emerged as a thriving hub of trade with the West Indies. However, along with this trade and growth, there was an

Building Andover

Building Andover

Construction in Andover began at least by 1643, an impressive three years before the town was officially incorporated. During this time, the Abbotts and Chandlers played active roles in the construction trades, contributing to the town's development. In 1643, George Abbott constructed a "log-house," a simple