Madden's Tavern facts for kids
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Madden's Tavern
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Roadside view
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | VA 610, nearLignum, Virginia |
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| Area | 3.8 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003526 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 16, 1984 |
Madden's Tavern was a very important place in Virginia, built in 1840. It was special because it showed how a Black person, who was not enslaved, could start and run a successful business. This was quite rare in Virginia before the American Civil War.
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Madden's Tavern: A Historic Business
Madden's Tavern was a unique business that opened in 1840. It was owned and run by a free Black man named Willis Madden. His story shows how hard work and smart choices could lead to success, even in difficult times.
Willis Madden's Journey
Willis Madden worked many different jobs to earn money and gain experience. He was a blacksmith, a distiller, a cobbler (shoe repairer), a teamster (someone who drives a team of animals), a farm worker, and even a nail maker. He saved his earnings from these jobs.
With his savings, Willis Madden bought 87 acres of land. This land was in Culpeper County, Virginia. He chose a great spot for his business. It was at the crossing of two important roads: Old Fredericksburg Road and Peola-Mills-Kellysville Road.
What Was the Tavern Like?
Madden's Tavern was more than just a place to eat and drink. It was a busy center of activity. The main building had four rooms. There was also a general store where people could buy supplies.
Willis Madden also had a blacksmith and wheelwright shop. A wheelwright makes and repairs wheels. There were other small buildings and sheds too. The western part of the main building was where Willis Madden and his family lived. The eastern part was for his customers. It had a public room downstairs. Upstairs, there was a loft where travelers could stay overnight.
Challenges and Recognition
In the 1850s, new railroads were built. This made it harder for Madden's Tavern to get customers. People started traveling by train instead of on the roads. The business was still trying to recover when the American Civil War began. The tavern suffered a lot of damage during the war.
Even with these challenges, Madden's Tavern is remembered as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it is a place that is important to the history of the United States.
