Jonah Patel
The Founding Fathers of the United States of America are known to have enjoyed a drink or two. In fact, two days before signing the Constitution in 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention partied at a tavern in Philadelphia, drinking 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch. This was a common occurrence, as taverns were where political figures went to discuss their adversaries and negotiate. While it is clear that the Founding Fathers drank a lot, it is unknown whether they were drunk when they wrote the Constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bottles consumed by 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 | 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer and seven bowls of alcoholic punch |
| Average consumption of alcohol by Americans during the Colonial era | Three times as much as modern Americans |
| Washington's expenditures for alcohol in 1775 | 1,000% higher than the average |
| Percentage of income spent on alcohol by Washington while in office | 7% |
| Amount spent on his farewell party | Over $15,000 in present-day dollars |
| Amount of whiskey produced by Washington's estate | 11,000 gallons in 1799 |
| Number of bottles consumed by Jefferson between 1822 and 1824 | 1,200 |
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What You'll Learn
The Founding Fathers' drinking culture
Alcohol was a significant part of social culture in colonial America, with the average American consuming three times as much alcohol as their contemporary counterparts. Drinking was an integral part of social gatherings, and it was common for men to continue drinking after the ladies had left the table.
Taverns were a popular meeting place for political discussions, and the Founding Fathers were no exception. Benjamin Franklin, for example, was known to use taverns as a "tool of diplomacy", where "eating, drinking, and gossiping" were negotiation tactics. Franklin even published a "Drinkers' Dictionary", a compendium of colonial slang describing states of drunkenness, in 1737.
The Founding Fathers were certainly not teetotalers, and there are records of their substantial alcohol consumption. Two days before signing the Constitution in 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention partied at a tavern in Philadelphia, racking up an impressive bar tab. They consumed 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of porter, eight bottles of hard cider, 12 bottles of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.
Other notable drinkers among the Founding Fathers include George Washington, who was known for his generous spending on alcohol, including a farewell party tab totaling over $15,000 in today's money. Thomas Jefferson was also an avid wine connoisseur, spending a third of his salary on wine in his first year as President and consuming 1,200 bottles between 1822 and 1824. James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, also enjoyed creative cakes and pastries made by his wife, Dolley.
While the Founding Fathers enjoyed their alcohol, it is unlikely that they were drunk when they wrote the Constitution. However, their drinking culture and the social norms of the time certainly allowed for a more spirited" approach to political discussions and negotiations.
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Alcohol consumption in Colonial America
Alcohol played a significant role in the daily lives of Colonial Americans. It was believed to be safer than water, which was often polluted, and it was also seen as a source of nourishment and energy. Beer, in particular, was considered a food and a sign of social status—only the destitute drank water. Alcohol was also used as a painkiller and a social lubricant, and it enhanced the enjoyment of food.
The English heritage of the colonists also influenced their drinking culture. They believed that water was bad for their health and that alcohol was a healthier substitute. This belief was reflected in the drinking culture of the Puritans, who loaded more beer than water onto the Mayflower before setting sail for the New World. They considered alcohol to be a "good gift of God" and a natural and normal part of life.
Colonial Americans consumed alcohol in various forms, including beer, cider, whiskey, rum, wine, and distilled spirits. Drinking was so prevalent that even children consumed alcohol, with an early morning tankard of beer being typical in colonial America. The average American drank eight ounces of alcohol per day, which is roughly three times as much as modern Americans consume.
The Founding Fathers, like most colonists, were no strangers to alcohol. They frequented taverns, where they discussed politics and negotiated, emboldened by "liquid courage." Benjamin Franklin, in particular, was known for his "Drinkers' Dictionary", a compendium of Colonial slang describing states of drunkenness. George Washington was also known for his generous drinking habits and sizable bar tabs.
In the days leading up to the signing of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers partied at a tavern in Philadelphia, racking up an impressive bar tab. The 55 delegates consumed 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of porter, eight bottles of hard cider, 12 bottles of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch. This episode highlights the drinking culture of the time and how getting drunk was socially accepted, as long as one did not lose control.
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The role of taverns in politics
The founding fathers of the United States were known for their drinking habits. They frequently drank alcohol, including cider, beer, wine, and whiskey. In fact, two days before signing the Constitution in 1787, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention consumed a large quantity of alcohol at a tavern in Philadelphia. The bill from that evening includes 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.
While the founding fathers' drinking habits may be well-documented, it is important to understand the context in which this consumption occurred. During the Colonial era, the average American consumed significantly more alcohol than contemporary Americans. Getting drunk was socially accepted, as long as one did not lose control.
Taverns played a significant role in the political life of the founding fathers. They served as spaces for socialising, networking, and gathering information. Ben Franklin, for example, is said to have used taverns as a tool of diplomacy. He believed that "eating, drinking, and gossiping" were negotiation tactics. The relaxed atmosphere of taverns may have provided an environment conducive to political discussion and the exchange of ideas.
In addition to their social and political functions, taverns also served as a space for conducting business. They were often used as meeting places for conducting official government business and negotiating deals. The founding fathers may have found taverns to be convenient locations for discussing and drafting policies, away from the formal settings of government buildings.
Furthermore, taverns contributed to the spread of information and ideas. They were gathering places for people from various backgrounds, including travellers, locals, and political figures. News and gossip circulated freely in these establishments, providing patrons with the latest updates on political developments and the activities of adversaries.
While the founding fathers' drinking habits and their use of taverns as social and political spaces are well-documented, it is important to recognise that not all of them were heavy drinkers. Alexander Hamilton, for example, is noted for being relatively sober compared to his peers. Additionally, Benjamin Rush, a physician, politician, and signatory of the Declaration of Independence, warned the American public about the dangers of alcoholism and advocated for moderate consumption.
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Drinking habits of individual Founding Fathers
The drinking habits of the Founding Fathers are well documented, and it is clear that they drank a lot. In fact, two days before they signed the Constitution, the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention partied at a tavern in Philadelphia and drank a copious amount of alcohol. This included 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 bottles of porter, eight bottles of hard cider, 12 bottles of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.
Benjamin Franklin was known to use taverns as a tool of diplomacy. For him, "eating, drinking, and gossiping" were negotiation tactics. He was also one of America's first food and drink writers, having published the "Drinkers' Dictionary", a compendium of Colonial slang describing states of drunkenness.
Thomas Jefferson was a true oenophile. As a young man, he drank Portuguese Madeira by the truckload, and in his later years, he tried to cultivate grapes for winemaking at his vineyard in Monticello.
George Washington was a regular drinker and oftentimes enjoyed a bottle of Madeira at night, accompanied by rum, punch, or beer. He once consumed so much "Fish House Punch" that he couldn't bring himself to mention it in his diary for three days. He also spent a considerable amount of money on alcohol, with his expenditures for alcohol in 1775 being 1,000% higher than the average.
James Madison consumed a pint of whiskey a day, which was not unusual during a time when alcohol was safer than water.
Luther Martin was known as the "heaviest drinker of that period of heavy drinking men". He once got creative with his drinking by pouring 90-proof brandy over bread and eating it with a fork and knife when he had committed to "not drink a drop" while representing a Quaker in court.
John Adams started most of his mornings with a gill of cider (about 3oz), and he was known for his love of vice, earning him the nickname "another Falstaff" from Benjamin Franklin.
Alexander Hamilton was the relatively sober one of the group.
Ethan Allen was a two-fisted drinker who often enjoyed Stone Walls (a combination of rum and cider) to excess.
John Jay, on the other hand, preferred chocolate, which he would likely "shave or grate into pots of milk" and consume as a drink.
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Alcoholism and its effects
There is evidence to suggest that the Founding Fathers drank heavily before signing the Constitution. Two days before signing the Constitution in 1787, the 54 delegates to the Constitutional Convention consumed vast quantities of alcohol at a tavern in Philadelphia. The bill from that night records their purchase of 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.
While this may indicate that the Founding Fathers drank heavily, it is important to note that drinking culture was different during the Colonial era. Getting drunk was socially accepted, and the average American consumed far more alcohol than they do today.
Regardless of the drinking culture of the time, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative consequences on health, relationships, and safety. Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, impacting mood, behaviour, clear thinking, and coordination. It can also affect the peripheral nervous system, leading to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness in the arms and legs, as well as painful burning in the feet. Alcohol misuse can also impact the endocrine system, disrupting hormones that maintain the body's stability and health, leading to conditions like thyroid diseases, abnormal cholesterol levels, reproductive dysfunction, and stress intolerance.
Heavy alcohol use can also cause pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas, which can impair the production of digestive enzymes and affect blood sugar regulation. It increases the risk of several types of cancer and can lead to relationship problems, injuries, violence, alcohol poisoning, overdose, and sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies.
Given the significant negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, it is important to seek help if alcohol is negatively impacting your life or the lives of those around you.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence to suggest that the founding fathers were drunk when they wrote the Constitution. However, they did enjoy a night of revelry two days before signing it, consuming vast quantities of alcohol.
The 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention drank 54 bottles of Madeira, 60 bottles of claret, eight bottles of whiskey, 22 of porter, eight of hard cider, 12 of beer, and seven bowls of alcoholic punch.
Yes, the founding fathers were known for their heavy drinking. During the Colonial era, the average American consumed far more alcohol than contemporary Americans. Getting drunk was socially accepted.
Alexander Hamilton was relatively sober compared to his peers. Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father who signed the Declaration of Independence, was also a physician and social reformer who warned the American public about the dangers of alcoholism.
George Washington was a regular drinker, often enjoying a bottle of Madeira at night, accompanied by rum, punch, or beer. His infamous farewell party tab totalled over $15,000 in present-day dollars. Thomas Jefferson, an avid wine connoisseur, spent a third of his salary on wine during his first year as President.
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