Pelatiah Morse's Historic 1754 Tavern
    




    One of the oldest surviving pre-Revolutionary War-era buildings in Natick, and site of the former homestead given by the Natick Praying Indians to the Rev. John Eliot in the 17th Century. This tavern was used a muster point for militia heading for battle with Lord Percy's regulars at Menotomy on April 19, 1775. 

    Currently threatened by potential development.  The site is adjacent to the also surviving, but better preserved and even older, Capt. David Morse House. Both homes are on Eliot Street between the Charles River and one of the Charles' scenic tributary streams, (Stream shown in bottom photos). All "before" photos taken in August 2008 showing first modifications to this historic location. All "after" pictures taken in October 2008.


    Questions or comments?  Contact ConCom Chair M. Gardner or Natick Environmental Manager B. Bois.




    

    


    Here are the "after" pictures
    


    

    New look for historic tavern


    

    Missing historic marker

    



    

    



    Here are the before pictures 
    



    Aerial view of many healthy-looking trees surrounding the tavern building.  (Google Earth photo, www.google.com)






    

      Photo above: Stumps Photos below: The stream.  These photos were taken
      
from the adjacent Takawambait walking trail, which is open to the public, 
      
and has a trailhead on Eliot Street.  The stream is a tributary to the Charles, 

      has a well-defined bank, has three tributaqries of its own, and has fish 

      present in summer.

    

    

    



    From 1754 deed of Pelatiah's Tavern site from Capt. David Morse    		



    Charles River tributary stream behind tavern, with public walking trail - August 2008 photos    		




    David Morse House and trailhead, next door to Pelatiah's tavern
    






    

    brushpile


    

    Barrier along historic streetscape