Fries Rebellion of 1799, The
Posted by: 
Gosffo
N 40° 26.542 W 075° 21.147
18T E 470109 N 4476917
Federal house Tax.
Waymark Code: WM19Z2
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 03/10/2007
Views: 40
Marker Text:
Site of early challenge to federal government's authority. This armed resistance by Pennsylvania-German farmers to the 1798 federal house tax was suppressed by soldiers. Leader John Fries was arrested for treason, condemned to death, and pardoned by President John Adams.
In 1797, President John Adams signed a treaty with England which was unfavorable to France. Adams felt France would attack. Three men were sent to France to avoid a war. While waiting for the delegation to make peace, the United States prepared for war. The goverment needed 2 million dollars to prepare. Pennsylvania's share was $237,000. Hence, the House Tax. It was a direct tax on property, houses and slaves. The windows were measured and counted as part of the assessments (Window Tax). Housewives would pour hot water on the assessors from upstairs windows (Hot-Water Tax - another nickname for the tax). John Fries, the son of a German immigrant felt this was similar to a German tax on fireplaces and refused to pay. He led a band of 60 men who went through the area intimidating, running out of town and threatening the lives of the assessors. On March 5, Gov. Mifflin sent a militia to Northampton to quell an uprising there. When Fries learned what happened he and his men went
to the aid of these men. Fries and Jarrett, with 400 men, surrounded the Sun Inn where the 13 or 14 marshalls were guarding the 19 prisoners. The marshalls surrendered the prisoners. President Adams raised troops out of Lancaster and proceeded to round up the former prisoners and the men who freed them. One by one they were found. Fries and George Gettman and Fred Hainey where all found guilty and sentenced to death.
Marker Name: Fries Rebellion of 1799, The
County: Bucks
Date Dedicated: 05/16/2003
Marker Type: City
Location: Main & Broad Sts., Quakertown
Category: Government & Politics, Military, Government & Politics 18th Century
Website: [Web Link]
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