The Old Talbott Tavern was built in 1779, a year before the settlement of Salem (later renamed Bardstown) began, making it the "oldest western stagecoach stop" still in operation. According to an old map of Bardstown, the lot was originally purchased by a man named Hynes; the tavern was called the Hynes Hotel. It was strategically located near the end of the stagecoach road that once led east to Philadelphia and Virginia. George Rogers Clark used it as a resource base during the end of the American Revolutionary War); Daniel Boone stayed here, and the exiled Louis-Philippe of France, stayed at the tavern on October 17, 1797, with a member of his entourage painting murals that were rediscovered in the 20th century and were on display until the 1998 fire. The murals have been restored and the tavern is back to it's old status. One of the most interesting items in the tavern is the original oak bar.
Visitors in the 19th century included future presidents Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's parents stayed at the tavern when a court ruling went against them, leading the family to move to Indiana when Lincoln was only seven years old. Other prominent figures who visited the tavern were Henry Clay, the inventor of steamboats John Fitch, environmentalist John James Audubon, songwriter Stephen Foster, and Jesse James, who is said to have been the cause of the bullet holes in the murals as he was drunk and shooting at imaginary butterflies.
George Talbott purchased the tavern in 1886. Within 2 years 6 of his children died in the tavern including one by falling down the stairs and one hanging herself after being unlucky in love.
Queen Marie of Romania is known to have lunched at the tavern in 1926. Likewise WWII General George Patton once visited the tavern.
The food is delicious.
Country Ham
Prime Rib
7 comments:
That's a very beautiful building!
What a interesting (sometimes tragic) history! You really live in a fascinating community.
Surprised to see well maintained the old building,Talbott. I love it!
Tomoko
Oooh...you have a nice old find! And so much history too. I love that the road came all the way to Phila...you could have come to see me on it! :) Poor George Talbott, what a sad story. Thanks for sharing all that history.
It would be very interesting to see the inside of the building. Do you ever wonder why they change names of towns?
Imagine all those famous people having once visited in your town! Now I'm wondering if anyone famous has EVER driven down our road - I doubt it very much. Good luck with the Spotlight this week, Peggy. It won't be easy!
What a great historic building, and it looks to be in good shape. I think if I visited it, I would be in awe of standing in the same spot where so many important people had once stood!
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