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Compass Inn
Compass Inn Pennsylvania.jpg
Compass Inn, August 2011
Compass Inn is located in Pennsylvania
Compass Inn
Location in Pennsylvania
Compass Inn is located in the United States
Compass Inn
Location in the United States
Location Jct. of US 30 (Lincoln Hwy.) and California Ave., Ligonier Township, Pennsylvania
Area less than one acre
Built 1799, c. 1825
NRHP reference No. 95000124
Added to NRHP February 24, 1995

The Compass Inn is a really old and special building in Laughlintown, Pennsylvania. It used to be a busy place where travelers could stop for a rest, a meal, and a bed. Think of it like a hotel and restaurant from long ago!

This historic inn was built way back in 1799. Over the years, more parts were added, like a stone section in the 1820s and a wooden section in 1862. Today, the Compass Inn has been carefully restored. It now operates as a museum where you can learn about life in the past. You can even see a rebuilt barn and a blacksmith shop on the property!

What Was the Compass Inn?

The Compass Inn was a very important stop for people traveling through Pennsylvania. Back then, there were no cars or fast trains. People traveled by horse, wagon, or on foot. They needed places to stop and rest, eat, and sleep.

A Busy Stop for Travelers

Inns like the Compass Inn were like community centers. Travelers could get fresh horses, repair their wagons, and share news from other towns. It was a lively place where people from all walks of life met.

Life at the Inn

Imagine what it was like inside! There would have been a common room for eating and talking. Travelers might have shared beds or slept on the floor. The inn also had a tavern, which was a place to buy drinks. It was a busy and sometimes noisy place!

The Inn's Long History

The Compass Inn has stood for over 200 years. It has seen many changes in the world.

How the Inn Grew

The very first part of the inn was built in 1799. It was made of logs and stone. Later, in the 1820s, a new stone section was added. This made the inn bigger. Even later, in 1862, another wooden part was built. Each addition helped the inn serve more people.

Becoming a Museum

By 1970, the Compass Inn was restored. It was turned into a museum. This means people can visit it today to see what life was like centuries ago. It's like stepping back in time!

A National Treasure

The Compass Inn is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 24, 1995. This means it's an important historical site in the United States. Did you know parts of the movie The Pale Blue Eye were filmed here?

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