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1812

June 18, 1812
Beyond Vassar

Outbreak of War of 1812. The United States declared war on Great Britain on the grounds of impressment of American seamen, violation of U.S. neutral rights and territorial waters, blockade of U.S. ports and refusal to revoke Orders in Council.

Fall 1812

Matthew Vassar rented a basement room in the County Court House and opened the first oyster saloon or restaurant in the village of Poughkeepsie, peddling beer by day and tending the oyster saloon at night.

The Years