Petition for Tavern License

Much like a modern liquor license, a tavern license allowed the owner to sell spirits. In this case, Charity Brittan of Trenton, New Jersey, petitioned for the right to keep a tavern. Femme sole women like Brittan had the same legal rights to own property or conduct business as free men, though they lost these rights if they ever married.

Taverns were often highly political places, and ownership of one could allow a woman a role in behind-the-scenes politics. Brittan and other tavern-owning women probably argued over politics in their own taverns.

New Jersey State Archives, Department of State

Much like a modern liquor license, a tavern license allowed the owner to sell spirits. In this case, Charity Brittan of Trenton, New Jersey, petitioned for the right to keep a tavern. Femme sole women like Brittan had the same legal rights to own property or conduct business as free men, though they lost these rights if they ever married.

Taverns were often highly political places, and ownership of one could allow a woman a role in behind-the-scenes politics. Brittan and other tavern-owning women probably argued over politics in their own taverns.

New Jersey State Archives, Department of State