Fraunces Tavern in New York City

Beer has been a part of New York City’s history from the very beginning and some of the oldest surviving bars date to the early 19th century. Here are ten fun historical facts about the beer industry here in New York City.

10. The US Beer Industry Had Its Start in New York

Fresh Cool Lager Beer-New York Historical Society-NYCImage from New-York Historical Society exhibit Beer Here: Brewing New York’s Beer History

As shown in the 2012 New-York Historical Society exhibit “Beer Here: Brewing New York’s Beer History“, from the “1840s through the 1880s the state was the largest producer of hops in the United States.” Even before that, there was a tradition of home-brewing and local beer production – which makes the resurgence of New York-area microbreweries in the last decade less than surprising.