This was one of the many taverns located along the National Road, the first highway built by the Federal government. The tavern, constructed in the 1830s, was in operation during the heyday of the National Road.
James and Rebecca Sampey and their family owned and operated this imposing brick and stone building. The Mount Washington Tavern catered to stagecoach clientele and was serviced by the Good Intent Stagecoach Line.
This tavern owes its name to George Washington, who, as a young man, fought a battle nearby. He returned 15 years later to initiate the purchase of the land which he owned until his death in 1799.
Exterior
The Mount Washington Tavern is open seasonally May 1st to October 31st from 10 AM to 4 PM. Even if you visit after hours, there is still plenty of opportunities to explore on the exterior of the structure. There are several plaques honoring a variety of thing, including the battle at Fort Necessity and the Veteran Memorial. There is also a Conestoga wagon and several waysides.
Whether you walk or drive to Mount Washington Tavern, take the pathway that goes behind the Tavern. In this area archeologists found the foundation of a smokehouse as well as numerous pottery shards from dishes dating to the mid 1800's. There was also a privy located near where the tree line begins below. Learn more about the Tavern's exterior.
Interior
Today, the Mount Washington Tavern is set up as a self-guided museum. When you walk through the front door, you will find the Tavern set up as it would have been at the height of the National Road in the 1830s.
Barroom for the men, Parlor for the ladies. Dining room and kitchen in the back. Meals were served family style and everyone ate whatever the cook had made that day. Upstairs in the bedrooms, women and children slept in one room and men in another. Married couples did not sleep together.
Many features are original to the structure. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a meal or beverage here, you're about 200 years too late. Learn more about the interior features.
