Hanover Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Hanover Tavern
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
A view looking across Route 301 from the courthouse green to the Hanover Tavern. Patrick Henry stayed at a predecessor tavern when he argued his famous Parson's Cause at the Hanover Courthouse.
|
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Hanover, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Part of | Hanover County Courthouse Historic District (ID71000980) |
| Designated CP | September 22, 1971 |
The Hanover Tavern in Hanover Courthouse, Virginia, Hanover County, Virginia, is one of the oldest taverns in the United States. For almost 300 years, it has been a busy place for travelers and locals.
Contents
A Look Back: Hanover Tavern's Story
Early Days: A Place for Travelers
The first tavern opened here in 1733. It was a vital stop for people visiting the county courthouse. Judges, lawyers, and citizens traveled long distances. They needed a place to eat, drink, sleep, and stable their horses. The tavern provided all these services.
Patrick Henry's Connection
The Hanover County Courthouse is still in use today. It is one of the oldest courthouses in the U.S. The tavern was right next to it. Patrick Henry, a famous Virginian, had a special connection to the tavern. His wife, Sarah Shelton, was the daughter of the tavern owners from 1750 to 1764.
Patrick Henry helped his father-in-law at the tavern. He greeted guests, served drinks, and played his fiddle. This experience helped him learn about the law. In 1760, at age 24, he became a lawyer.
Patrick Henry's Famous Speech
Patrick Henry first showed his amazing speaking skills in 1763. He gave a powerful speech during a case called the "Parson's Cause." This happened across the street at the Hanover Courthouse. He was the first person to publicly challenge the King's authority. He also questioned the Church of England's clergy. This event was an early sign of the American desire for freedom.
The Tavern During Wars
During the American Revolutionary War, French officers visited the tavern. These included Marquis de Lafayette and Rochambeau. Even General George Washington stayed and dined here.
The American Civil War also impacted the tavern. It became a safe place for people escaping the Union Army. Margaret Wight, a boarder, kept a diary. She wrote about the war, her family, and life at the tavern.
In 1800, some enslaved people from Hanover Tavern were involved in Gabriel's Rebellion. This was a plan for a slave uprising that failed.
Famous Visitors Over Time
Many well-known people have visited Hanover Tavern. These include Chief Justice John Marshall and writer Edgar Allan Poe. Showman P. T. Barnum and author Charles Dickens also stopped by. Union and Confederate generals visited during the Civil War. The tavern was a popular stop between Richmond and Fredericksburg.
Saving and Restoring the Tavern
The current tavern building dates back to 1791. It has been updated over the years. By 1953, the building was in poor condition. A group of young actors from New York bought it. They wanted to start a dinner theater. They repaired the building, starting its preservation.
This became Barksdale Theatre, America's first dinner theater. It was also the first performing arts group in Virginia to have integrated audiences. This means people of all races could sit together. Today, Barksdale Theatre is part of Virginia Repertory Theatre. They still perform regularly at the tavern.
In 1990, the Hanover Tavern Foundation bought the building. This non-profit group wanted to save and restore it. Their goal was to make it a historical, educational, and cultural center. They raised over $5 million. This money helped fix the building and add new features. The restored tavern reopened to the public in 2005.
Hanover Tavern Today
Today, Hanover Tavern is a lively community hub. The Foundation works hard to preserve the building and share its history.
It offers many activities for students and families. You can find educational history programs and exhibits. There are also musical events and lectures. Special family events like Hanover AutumnFest are popular.
The tavern also has a full-service restaurant and pub. It is a place for meetings, weddings, and parties. You can still enjoy Virginia Repertory Theatre performances in a modern 150-seat theater.
