McGrady’s Tavern & The Laughing Horse: A George Washington Story
- History, Haunts, & Hahas!
- Nov 23
- 1 min read
Delightful!
George Washington enjoys a 30-course meal at McGrady’s Tavern. I tried very hard to find what was on his menu with no success. I did find in a separate source, though, that this McGrady guy was kidnapped, taken hostage, and incarcerated in Florida. Because he was such a good sport, I guess, when he was finally free, he went right back to work at the tavern.
“The Laughing Horse” story really takes the cake here, though. Trumbull is commissioned by Charleston to paint George Washington in honor of his 1791 visit. Washington stood and posed for a considerable length of time, and then the product was revealed. Charleston was horrified to find that the background of this painting was of New Jersey. Furious, they made Trumbull try again. Washington agreed to pose once more, but Trumbull was not in such generous spirits. He gave everybody exactly what they asked for… and then some! In the portrait, the horse has its butt facing the viewer and is seen laughing! A political satire that’s equal caliber to that of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Hunt.
This is just me compiling my research, sources, and comments for certain topics while you can be a fly on the wall. Some blogs may appear barren, but come back to see progress. Book a Charleston history and ghost tour with History, Haunts, & Hahas! today.
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