White Horse Tavern (Newport, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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White Horse Tavern
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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White Horse Tavern in 2017
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 26 Marlborough Street Newport, Rhode Island |
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| Built | 1652–1673 |
| Part of | Newport Historic District (ID68000001) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000032 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1972 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 24, 1968 |
The White Horse Tavern is a very old building in Newport, Rhode Island. Many people believe it is the oldest tavern building in the United States. It was built before the year 1673. You can find it at the corner of Farewell and Marlborough streets.
Contents
A Look at the Tavern's Past
How the Tavern Began
An English person named Francis Brindley built the first part of the tavern in 1652. He got the land from his brother-in-law, William Coddington.
In 1673, Francis sold the building to William Mayes. William made the building bigger and turned it into a tavern. It was also used for important meetings. These included gatherings for the Rhode Island General Assembly. It even served as a courthouse and a city hall.
William Mayes got a special license for the tavern in 1687. His son, William Mayes Jr., ran the tavern in the early 1700s. In 1730, a new owner named Jonathan Nichols gave it the name "The White Horse Tavern."
The Tavern During the Revolution
During the American Revolution, British soldiers stayed at the tavern. This was when the British controlled Newport. It was around the time of the Battle of Rhode Island.
Saving a Piece of History
After many years, the building became a boarding house and was not well cared for. In 1952, the Van Bueren family from Newport helped. They gave money to the private Preservation Society of Newport. This group worked to fix up the old building.
After it was restored, the building was sold. It became a private tavern and restaurant again. Today, it is still a popular place for people to eat and drink.
More Historic Places
- List of the oldest restaurants in the United States
- Oldest buildings in America
- List of the oldest buildings in Rhode Island
