Michie Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Michie Tavern
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| Location | Albemarle County, Virginia |
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| Nearest city | Charlottesville |
| Built | 1784 |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003913 |
| Added to NRHP | 1986 |
Michie Tavern (pronounced MICK-ee) is a famous historic place in Albemarle County, Virginia. It was first built in 1784 by a man named William Michie. Back then, it was a busy spot where travelers could find food, drinks, and a place to sleep. It was also a social center for the local community.
The Michie family owned and ran the tavern for a very long time, until 1910. Later, in 1927, a woman named Josephine Henderson bought the tavern. She had it carefully moved about seventeen miles to where it stands today, very close to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Michie Tavern is now a Virginia Historic Landmark.
The Tavern's Story
The story of Michie Tavern began in 1746. A man named Major John Henry sold land in northern Albemarle County to John Michie. John's son, William Michie, later inherited this land. William built a house on the property.
Many people traveling through the area would stop at William's house. They often needed food and a place to rest. So, in 1784, William got a special license. This allowed him to officially run a tavern, which was like an inn and restaurant. It was a popular place for travelers and locals alike.
The Michie family continued to own and operate the tavern for many years. However, in 1910, the property became owned by the state of Virginia. This happened because Sallie Michie, the last family member to own it, could no longer manage the business.
In 1927, Josephine Henderson bought the tavern. She had a big plan for it. She wanted to move the entire building! The tavern was carefully taken apart and moved to its current spot. This new location was much closer to Monticello. Josephine also wanted a place to show off her large collection of old and interesting items.
Later, in 1968, a local family bought Michie Tavern. They opened a restaurant there the very next year. In 1976, an old mill called Meadow Run Mill was also moved to the property. Today, the same family still runs Michie Tavern, keeping its history alive.
What Michie Tavern Is Like Today
Today, Michie Tavern is a collection of historic buildings. It still feels like an 18th-century inn. You can find a pub and a restaurant there, serving food that might have been eaten long ago.
It also has two special shops: The General Store and the Tavern Shop. These shops offer unique items, just like stores from the past. Michie Tavern has the largest group of historic buildings that have been moved and rebuilt in Albemarle County. It's a great place to experience what life was like hundreds of years ago.
Images for kids
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Michie Tavern
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Michie Tavern
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The 1784 Pub
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Inside the General Store
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Michie Tavern in 1933
See also
- Buck Mountain
- Monticello
- Highland (James Monroe's home)
- University of Virginia
