Mt. Washington Tavern
It is an odd fact of history that George Washington came to own
the land on which he fought his first battle. He bought it in 1769,
15 years after surrendering his Fort Necessity. Consisting of 234
1/2 acres in southwestern Pennsylvania, the tract of land was called
"Mount Washington" and embraced the Great Meadows. However, little
did he know then that this tract would later boast a tavern whose
story would live for generations.
Although Washington never lived to see his land flourish, he knew
it would be an excellent site for an inn. Soon after his death the
first federally funded road was laid down through this country,
crossing the Mount Washington tract, thus proving his speculations
correct.
Travelers stopping at the Mt. Washington Tavern were pleased to
find a commodious brick and stone tavern of eleven rooms in two
stories, with an attic and basement. Built around 1827 by Judge
Nathaniel Ewing of Uniontown, the Tavern was operated by James and
Rebecca Sampey and did a lively business from the time it opened.
Four conditions were prevalent at this inn: the place was clean,
the food was good, the landlady was civil and her husband was sober.
Today, Mt. Washington Tavern is preserved as a unit of the Fort
Necessity National Battlefield. Here you will find memorabilia of
the era where the National Road helped build a new nation.
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