The City Tavern, built in 1773 and located in Philadelphia, is one of the oldest taverns in the United States and was an important meeting point for historical political figures. Many of our founding fathers frequented the tavern before, during and after the critical moments that led up to the signing of our Declaration of Independence.

The City Tavern Cookbook showcases many recipes which were popularly enjoyed during the time of our founders. Click through the slideshow below to get an idea of what our founding fathers could have eaten on July 4th, 1776 -- it resembles little of the fried chicken and potato salad we enjoy today.

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  • Savory Broiled Oysters

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/savory-broiled-oysters_n_1060840.html" target="_hplink">Savory Broiled Oysters recipe</a></strong> Martha Washington's cookbook contained many recipes for oysters -- they surely made their way onto The City Tavern's menu. Oysters were so plentiful during the time of colonization that some streets were even paved with their shells.

  • Smoky Ham-and-Corn Chowder

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/smoky-ham-and-corn-chowde_n_1058692.html" target="_hplink">Smoky Ham-And-Corn Chowder recipe</a></strong> American colonists were introduced to corn by the Native Americans. They quickly adapted it into their recipes, and this corn chowder is one such dish they would have enjoyed corn in.

  • Lemon Green Beans With Almonds

    <strong>Get the<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lemon-green-beans-with-al_n_1057001.html" target="_hplink"> Lemon Green Beans with Almonds recipe</a></strong> Since green beans are one of the easiest crops to grow, they were hardily enjoyed among settlers who lived for months during the winter without any greens. Thomas Jefferson made several mentions of planting them in his "Garden Book."

  • Crab Cakes And Curry Mayonnaise With Apple Salad

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/crab-cakes-and-curry-mayo_n_1059515.html" target="_hplink">Crab Cakes and Curry Mayonnaise with Apple Salad recipe</a></strong> While curry mayonnaise may not have been often enjoyed by the colonists, crab cakes certainly were. They were plentiful in the New World. Crab cakes were often baked and served in the shell, but that recipe has been adapted into patties.

  • Thyme And Lemon Pan-Fried Trout

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/thyme-and-lemon-pan-fried_n_1056952.html" target="_hplink">Thyme and Lemon Pan-Fried Trout recipe</a></strong> Trout was one of the most common foods available to 18th century cooks and was likely to be made at The City Tavern and enjoyed by our founding fathers.

  • Roast Turkey

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/roast-turkey_n_1059251.html" target="_hplink">Roast Turkey recipe</a></strong> Turkey was a free and easy source of food for the colonials since they roamed wild in the forests. Benjamin Franklin was such a fan of this bird that he recommended it as our national symbol.

  • Rack Of Lamb With Mustard-Shallot Sauce

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/rack-of-lamb-with-mustard_n_1061041.html" target="_hplink">Rack of Lamb with Mustard-Shallot Sauce recipe</a></strong> At The City Tavern, large cuts of meat in were usually reserved for special occasions and large parties. The signing of the Declaration would certainly have been a suitable occasion.

  • Salmon Pinwheels

    <strong>Get the<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/salmon-pinwheels_n_1061796.html" target="_hplink"> Salmon Pinwheels recipe </a></strong> Salmon was easily fished on the east coast; they were plentiful. Since it was an easy ingredient to get your hands on in the 18th century, it was often enjoyed.

  • Cherry-Berry Pie

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/cherry-berry-pie_n_1058284.html" target="_hplink">Cherry-Berry Pie recipe</a></strong> While wild cherries were plentiful in early America, they were often too sour and so sweeter English ones were grown. Both Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew cherry trees.

  • Lemon-And-Orange-Glazed Pound Cake

    <strong>Get the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/27/lemon-and-orange-glazed-p_n_1059197.html" target="_hplink">Lemon-and-Orange-Glazed Pound Cake recipe</a></strong> Nearly every cookbook in colonial America had a recipe for pound cake. It was a simple and long-lasting cake, which made it a great option for dessert.

  • WATCH: How To Make New England Clam Chowder

    Chef Travis Timberlake demonstrates how to make mouth-watering clam chowder