Port Royal in Caroline County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fox Tavern: A Colonial Landmark
Photographed By Kevin W., July 11, 2012
1. The Fox Tavern: A Colonial Landmark Marker
Inscription.
The Fox Tavern: A Colonial Landmark. . Until the coming of the railroads in the 19th century, the Rappahannock River town of Port Royal was the commercial center of what is now Caroline County, Virginia. Like many ports, it was a raucous place and boasted a disproportionate number of taverns, among them the Fox Tavern. In 1755, Captain William Fox obtained a tavern license, one of 90 issued in Port Royal. Captain Fox was often away at sea, leaving his wife Ann in charge. The Fox Tavern was the most renowned in Port Royal and attracted many colonial notables. When the tavern was sold in 1795, one of its selling points was its "elegant billiard table." George Washington spent the night of January 14, 1760, at a cost of five shillings. The future general must have enjoyed his stay, because the receipt books record at least three later visits, including one on which he not only spent the night and had supper and breakfast for himself, but also bought a stableage and feed for his horse. His total bill, 13 shillings 4½ pence. Washington was generous, paying a 100% tip on his two shilling ferriage across the river.
Until the coming of the railroads in the 19th century, the Rappahannock River town of Port Royal was the commercial center of what is now Caroline County, Virginia. Like many ports, it was a raucous place and boasted a disproportionate number of taverns, among them the Fox Tavern. In 1755, Captain William Fox obtained a tavern license, one of 90 issued in Port Royal. Captain Fox was often away at sea, leaving his wife Ann in charge. The Fox Tavern was the most renowned in Port Royal and attracted many colonial notables. When the tavern was sold in 1795, one of its selling points was its "elegant billiard table." George Washington spent the night of January 14, 1760, at a cost of five shillings. The future general must have enjoyed his stay, because the receipt books record at least three later visits, including one on which he not only spent the night and had supper and breakfast for himself, but also bought a stableage and feed for his horse. His total bill—13 shillings 4½ pence. Washington was generous, paying a 100% tip on his two shilling ferriage across the river.
Erected by Historic Port Royal with funding made possible through the sponsorship of the Washington-Lewis Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Location. 38° 10.25′ N, 77° 11.425′ W. Marker is in Port Royal, Virginia, in Caroline County. Marker is on King Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Royal VA 22535, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. The old Town Hall and Lyceum, under refurbishment
Across the street is the remains of the once-stately Town Hall and Lyceum.
Photographed By Kevin W., July 11, 2012
4. Article about the Town Hall restoration.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2012, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,968 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 15, 2012, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
