Rodgers Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rodgers Tavern
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Rodgers Tavern, April 2010
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 259 Broad Street, Perryville, Maryland |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000576 |
| Added to NRHP | April 26, 1974 |
Rodgers Tavern, also known as Stevenson's Tavern, is a very old and important building in Perryville, Cecil County, Maryland. It was built in the mid-1700s as a two-story stone building. Each room inside has a cozy fireplace in the corner.
This tavern was a popular stop for famous people like George Washington between 1755 and 1798. At that time, it was owned and run by Colonel John Rodgers. His son, John Rodgers (1772–1838), became a well-known U.S. naval officer. In the 1880s, the building was divided into two separate parts.
Rodgers Tavern was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it's recognized as a special historical site.
Contents
What is Rodgers Tavern?
Rodgers Tavern is a historic building from the 1700s in Cecil County, Maryland. It's located at 259 Broad Street in Perryville. It was first known as the Ferry House because it was built right next to a ferry crossing in 1695.
Who First Owned Rodgers Tavern?
The first owner of the tavern was William Stevenson. Over the years, many different people ran the tavern. However, by 1886, its popularity dropped. This happened because bridges and railroads started to replace ferries and horse-drawn carriages. The old travel route where the tavern stood was no longer needed.
How Was the Tavern Saved?
The Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington Railroad bought the property when the tavern was falling apart. But in 1956, a group called the Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiquities bought it. Friends of Rodgers Tavern then began to fix it up and bring it back to its original look. In 1972, the tavern was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What Does Rodgers Tavern Look Like?
The design of Rodgers Tavern is special for the 1700s. It has two stories. The outside of the tavern is made of stone. The stone work is very well done, showing great skill. This made the building look nice and fit the needs of a busy tavern.
How is the Outside Designed?
The front of the tavern has five openings on each floor. The middle opening on the first floor is the main entrance. It also leads to the basement. The main entrance has separate doors.
What About the Inside?
The inside of the tavern is also very interesting. Windows on both the first and second floors have a classic 6-over-6 pane style with wide frames. The east and west sides of the roof have two windows on each level. The roof's edge goes all the way around, creating small overhangs on the sides.
The main floor had two main rooms. One was a public room for guests, and the other was a small office. The front public room still has its original wood panels from the 1700s. The second floor had five rooms for guests. Each of these rooms has a fireplace in the corner.
The southeast public room is an original part of the building. It has a fancy fireplace, detailed trim, and original windows and door frames. People say that George Washington himself stayed in the northeast bedroom. In the 1880s, the house was split into an east and west side. The original main staircase was replaced with two steep, enclosed stairs. The attic was used for servants, but it was not as nicely finished.
How Was Rodgers Tavern Used?
The Rodgers family strongly supported the American fight for independence during the American Revolution. Because of its location on a main road and the family's strong belief in patriotism, it became a favorite stopping place. Many important figures from the Revolution visited, including Washington, Lafayette, Rochambeau, Jefferson, and Madison.
Rodgers Family and the Revolution
In 1775, Colonel John Rodgers left his job running the ferry and tavern. He went to lead the 5th Company of the Maryland militia. This group later became part of the Flying Corps, which was very important in the early Revolution. John Rodgers Jr. became known as the "Father of the American Navy." He earned this title for his service as Commodore of the American Navy during the War of 1812.
In 1781, soon after Rodgers bought the tavern, Washington brought his troops through the Lower Ferry Crossing. He later won the Battle of Yorktown against the British there. Washington wrote in his diary that he often ate at the tavern when traveling from Virginia to Philadelphia. Rodgers Tavern was conveniently located right across from Havre de Grace. Washington spent the night there 30 times between 1775 and 1798. This was during his time in the military before the Revolution and even during his presidency.
Why Did the Tavern Decline?
After the American Revolution, Rodgers Tavern continued to be a popular place. It was known for its great food and entertainment. However, the Lower Susquehanna Route, where Rodgers Tavern is located, became less popular. This happened when bridges and railroads started to replace the old ferries and carriages.
The tavern's importance faded, and it was no longer needed as much. It stayed open until around 1886. Because it was used so little, the tavern fell into disrepair. It wasn't until 1956 that the Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiquities bought the building. They started a project to save and restore the tavern. Sixteen years later, in 1972, the tavern was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places.
What Recent Changes Have Happened?
In recent years, the tavern has been used as a small museum and offices for the town's chamber of commerce. Rodgers Tavern is located in the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area. It has received a lot of support for its repair and improvement.
What is the Readiness Project?
Since it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, Rodgers Tavern has been the focus of many restoration projects. One important project is the Rodgers Tavern Readiness Project. This project is managed by the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (LSHG). The LSHG is a non-profit group. Their goal is to help the local economy by connecting natural, historic, and cultural sites.
In 2008, the LSHG received $100,000 from state grants for the Rodgers Tavern Readiness Project. The goal of this project is to restore this important historic building. They want it to be used again as a tavern and ferry crossing. This will help with education, recreation, and economic growth.
What Are the Project Phases?
The whole project has three main parts:
- 1. Making the building stable and restoring it.
- 2. Building a pier and a trail.
- 3. Getting the building ready for use.
In 2010, the LSHG asked for $150,000 to finish the third and final phase of the project. According to the Baltimore Sun newspaper, the state gave the LSHG $125,000 to complete the renovations. This money will pay for repairs inside and outside the building. The restoration plans include a new roof, gutters, and downspouts. They also plan for new plaster walls inside, fresh paint, electrical work, heating, air conditioning, and a connection to the city's sewage system.
During a recent dig, old items were found at the site. These items are currently stored until the tavern reopens. The artifacts include old clothing, furniture, and small trinkets.
A Look at Perryville's History
The town of Perryville itself has a rich history that surrounds the quiet tavern. It was founded in 1608 after Captain John Smith visited. He was the first European explorer to travel the Susquehanna River. Edward Palmer was the first to settle there after he was given land that is now Garrett Island. In the 1600s, Lord Baltimore gave Lord Talbot 31,000 acres of land, which included Perryville.
The town had many different names before it officially became a town in 1882. It was called "Lower Ferry" in 1695 and "Susquehanna" in the 1700s. It wasn't until the late 1700s that it became known as "Perryville." This name came from John Bateman's wife, Mary Perry.
- Rodgers Tavern, Cecil County, including photo from 1999, at Maryland Historical Trust
