Abel Colley Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Abel Colley Tavern
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. Route 40, approximately 0.5 miles (0.80 km) west of Searights Crossroads, Menallen Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0 acres (0 ha) |
| Built | c. 1835 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | National Road in Pennsylvania MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 95001352 |
| Added to NRHP | November 27, 1995 |
The Abel Colley Tavern is a special old building in Menallen Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. It was built around 1835. This building was once a home, but it also served as an inn and a tavern.
An inn was like a hotel where travelers could stay overnight. A tavern was a place where people could get food and drinks. This made the Abel Colley Tavern a very important stop for people traveling a long time ago.
Contents
What Was the Abel Colley Tavern?
The Abel Colley Tavern is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of brick and has five main sections on its front. There is also a two-and-a-half-story kitchen area at the back.
The building sits on a strong foundation made of sandstone. Its design follows the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s.
A Stop for Travelers
In the 19th century, travel was much harder than it is today. There were no cars or airplanes. People traveled by horse, wagon, or on foot. Long journeys needed many stops along the way.
The Abel Colley Tavern was built specifically for these travelers. It was located right on the National Road. This road was one of the first major highways in the United States. It connected the eastern states with the western frontier.
Taverns and inns like Abel Colley's offered a safe place to rest. Travelers could find a warm meal, a bed, and fresh water for their horses. They were important community hubs too. People would share news and stories there.
What is Greek Revival Style?
The Greek Revival style became popular in America in the early 1800s. It was inspired by the ancient buildings of Greece. Think of grand temples with tall columns.
Buildings in this style often have:
- A simple, balanced shape
- Low-pitched roofs
- Columns or pillars, even if they are just decorative
- A focus on symmetry, meaning both sides look the same
The Abel Colley Tavern shows these features in its design. It has a classic, strong look that was common for important buildings of its time.
Becoming a Historic Place
The Abel Colley Tavern is recognized as a very important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it is special and worth protecting for future generations.
The tavern's connection to the National Road and its unique architecture made it a valuable part of history. It helps us understand how people lived and traveled long ago.
