John Montgomery (tavern-keeper)

John Montgomery was a prominent tavern-keeper in colonial Philadelphia and a key figure in the events leading up to the American Revolution. He operated the "Indian Queen Tavern," located on Market Street, which became a popular meeting place for members of the First Continental Congress in 1774.

The Indian Queen Tavern served as a central hub for political discussion and strategy among delegates such as John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry. Montgomery's establishment offered a discreet and comfortable environment for these influential individuals to deliberate on the growing tensions with Great Britain. The tavern was known for its excellent food and drink, and more importantly, for the safe space it provided for clandestine meetings.

While Montgomery himself wasn't a formal delegate to the Continental Congress, his role as a facilitator of communication and a host to key political figures made him a significant, if often overlooked, player in the early stages of the American Revolution. His tavern contributed substantially to the formation of revolutionary sentiment and the organization of colonial resistance. Records from the period frequently mention the Indian Queen Tavern as a vital gathering spot during these crucial times. After the Revolution, Montgomery continued to operate his tavern, remaining a fixture in Philadelphia's social and political landscape.