Some of the ideas that fueled the American Revolution were discussed over drinks.An important part of colonial life, taverns gave people a place to gather, exchange news and debate politics.Many became meeting places for the Founding Fathers and other revolutionaries as tensions with Britain grew.Some of these taverns — like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston — have been lost to time.GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1757 BEER RECIPE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAYHowever, there are still a handful of important Revolutionary-era taverns that operate today as museums, taverns or both.Below are a few taverns where you can walk — and perhaps grab a drink — while following in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.Fraunces Tavern in New York City is best known as the site of George Washington's 1783 farewell to his officers, depicted above.
(PHAS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Located in the Financial District, Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719 — a rare remnant of the 18th century in New York City.The tavern is best known as the site of George Washington's famous farewell to his officers in 1783, and it operates as a restaurant, bar and museum today."Fraunces Tavern is a historic landmark and the oldest and most historic bar in the city," the tavern's website states.HOW TAVERNS, ALE AND HEARTY MEALS FUELED AMERICA'S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE AMID CONTINENTAL CONGRESS"Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tavern is a New York City landmark that once served as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America."The tavern serves dishes such as New England clam chowder, fish and chips, steak and burgers, as well as cocktails, beer, wine and whiskey.Fraunces Tavern is located at the corner of Pearl and Broad Streets in New York City.(iStock)The Raleigh Tavern, founded in 1717, became one of Virginia's most important gathering places in the years leading up to the American Revolution.CLICK HERE TO SIGN ...