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| William Seeber’s Tavern stood on top of what is now called the Sand Hill area of the village of Fort Plain. In 1775 Sand Hill was only referred to as Canajoharie. The Canajoharie District of Tryon County encompassed the area south of the Mohawk from the Noses at Yosts to Fall Hill near Indian Castle. The small settlement on Sand Hill however was also known as Canajoharie. The Mohawk Indian Castle of the same name, which had occupied the site, had long since moved onto to its present location at Indian Castle leaving the white settlement complete with the Canajoharie Reformed Church.
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An Indian trader named John Abeel lived in a stone house near the bottom of the hill. Abeel was the father of the Seneca Indian Chief Cornplanter. In his letter to his wife, Mary, Abeel states that his Cosn Abeel's house is located, but a single stone's throw from the tavern of William Seeber.
The orderly books of the 4th NY Regiment contains the following references to Seeber’s Tavern.
After orders January 26. 1779
Capt Daives
Capt Titus
Lieut Dunscomb
Lieut Gray
Lieut Hunt
Lieut Barret
Lieut V.Hovanburgh
To be to Morrow morning at Eleven oClock at Seabers Tavarn to a Genl Court martial If there is any Brimston wonting in the Regment they may apply to the Docter The Court which is warned to Set to Morrow Morning at Eleven OClock in the Fort and the officers are Desired to attend.
Taverns such as Seebers were a place where military business was often conducted. These public houses were the often larger buildings designed for gatherings. A study supply of alcohol was also an attractive inducement. Aside from its intoxicating effects, alcoholic beverages were usually safer to drink than local water supplies.
The Tryon County Committee of Safety met many times at the William Seeber Tavern. The 5th meeting of the Committee on May 24th, 1775 was the first joint meeting of the entire district including Palatine, Canajoharie, German Flatts and Kingsland.
William Seeber, innkeeper and ardent patriot died at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. Later in the war his widow had a relationship with Marinus Willett, (who was married at the time) which produced a son. He was named Marinus Willett Seeber.
The tavern was burned by Joeseph Brant during the August 2, 1780 attack on Fort Plain.
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