Deer Park Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Deer Park Hotel
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Deer Park Tavern, April 2010
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | 108 W. Main St., Newark, Delaware |
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| Area | 0.7 acres (0.28 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | Newark MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002341 |
| Added to NRHP | May 7, 1982 |
The Deer Park Tavern is a very old and famous building in Newark, Delaware. It started as a hotel way back in 1851. Before that, another inn called St. Patrick's Inn stood in the same spot since 1747. Today, it's a popular spot for students and people in the area. It's especially well-known because it's close to the University of Delaware.
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A Look Back in Time
From St. Patrick's Inn to Deer Park
The Deer Park Tavern was built in 1851. It stands where the St. Patrick's Inn used to be. That inn was built in 1747 but later burned down. The new building, the Deer Park, is quite large. It has three and a half stories and is made of brick. It shows off a style called Greek Revival.
Many famous people are said to have visited the old St. Patrick's Inn. One of them was George Washington. The famous writer Edgar Allan Poe also stayed there in 1843. The Deer Park's logo even uses a deer, which is a nod to Poe's famous poem, "The Raven".
In 1764, two important mapmakers, Mason and Dixon, set up their base in Delaware at the St. Patrick's Tavern. This was while they were drawing the famous Mason-Dixon Line.
Growing in Popularity
In 1869, the first railroad line was built through Newark. This railroad passed very close to the Deer Park. Because of this, the hotel became even more popular. At that time, the Deer Park was thought to be one of the best hotels on the East Coast.
There are also stories that the basement of the Deer Park was used as part of the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom before the Civil War.
A Hub for Students and Community
The Deer Park has always been a place where people gather. In 1955, a group of students from the University of Delaware formed a club. They wrote their club's rules in the old dining room of the Deer Park.
Today, many different people visit the Deer Park. This includes students and staff from the University of Delaware. Business people and local residents also enjoy spending time there. It's a lively place with different events throughout the week.
Famous Visitors and TV Shows
In the 1970s, local bands often played at the Deer Park. One famous band was George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers. They played in the back room.
On October 5, 2010, a TV show called The Rachel Maddow Show broadcast live from the second floor. They chose the Deer Park because of an important election happening in Delaware. The host, Rachel Maddow, said she liked how politics and local gathering spots came together.
Historic Recognition
The Deer Park Tavern is an important part of history. Because of its long history and special architecture, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's recognized as a place worth protecting for future generations.
Pop culture
In an episode of the TV show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (season six, episode two), a character named Mac is seen wearing a Deer Park T-shirt.
