Hanover Tavern
|
|
A view looking across Route 301 from the courthouse green to the Hanover Tavern. Patrick Henry stayed at a predecessor tavern when he argued his famous Parson's Cause at the Hanover Courthouse.
|
|
|
|
Nearest city: | Hanover, Virginia |
---|---|
Part of: |
Hanover County Courthouse Historic District[1] (#71000980 [2]) |
Designated CP: | September 22, 1971 |
The Hanover Tavern in Hanover Courthouse, Virginia and Hanover County, Virginia, is one of the oldest taverns in the United States. The first tavern was licensed at the site beginning in 1733.
The Hanover County Courthouse is an operating courthouse, the third oldest still in use in the United States. Located along what is now historic U.S. Route 301, its site was adjacent to the original Shelton Tavern. Patrick Henry lodged there during his arguing the Parson's Cause at the courthouse. After a damaging fire, the tavern was rebuilt in 1791 and named the Hanover Tavern.
The present tavern building, restored by the Hanover Tavern Foundation, dates from 1791. In 1953, the tavern was adapted as the first dinner theatre in America; the Barksdale Theatre. It was the first performing arts organization in Virginia to seat integrated audiences. The Barksdale Theatre Group still performs regularly at the Tavern, with dinning options provided by the Hanover Tavern Restaurant, open daily for lunch and dinner.