Suter's Tavern facts for kids

Suter's Tavern, also known as The Fountain Inn, was a famous old inn in Georgetown. This area later became part of Washington, D.C.. For many years, it was the most well-known place for travelers and locals to stay and meet in Georgetown.

What Was Suter's Tavern?

Suter's Tavern was a type of hotel and restaurant from the 1700s. It was officially called The Fountain Inn. People could eat meals, find a place to sleep, and meet others there. It was a very important spot in Georgetown for many years.

Where Was This Historic Inn?

John Suter opened the tavern in 1783. It was located in Georgetown on a street called Fishing Lane. Today, this area is near 31st and K Streets, NW. The exact spot isn't known for sure, but it was close to the Old Stone House.

The building itself was small, about one and a half stories tall. It had a large yard in the back. This yard was perfect for coaches and wagons to park.

Planning the Nation's Capital

Suter's Tavern became famous because of some very important meetings held there.

George Washington's Meetings

George Washington, who would become the first President of the United States, often visited Suter's Tavern. He met there with other important people like Andrew Ellicott and Major Pierre L’Enfant.

A City's Birthplace

These meetings were not just casual get-togethers. They were about planning something huge: the future capital city of the United States! This city would eventually be named Washington, D.C. The tavern was a key place where ideas for the "Federal City" were discussed and land deals were made.

Who Ran the Tavern?

John Suter ran the tavern from 1783 until he passed away in 1794. After his death, his wife continued to operate it for about two more years, until early 1796.

New Owners and Its End

In February 1796, a man named Clement Sewall took over The Fountain Inn. However, by December of that same year, he left to manage a new place called the City Tavern. Today, that building is known as the City Tavern Club.

After Clement Sewall left, Suter's Fountain Inn changed. It became a place that mainly sold oysters. Eventually, the old tavern disappeared, and its final records are not known.