Halifax in Halifax County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Early American Taverns

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

1. Early American Taverns Marker

Inscription. Taverns in colonial North Carolina, as in other parts of the country, were a vital part of the local economy and lifestyle. Travelers could find a place to sleep and a meal to eat as they made their way across the state. Local citizens used taverns for meetings, entertainment, and business transactions including the sale of land and slaves.

The quality of the accommodations found in taverns varied greatly. A town like Halifax with its river port and county courthouse probably had finer taverns than those found in rural areas. Still, a traveler might be forced to share a room or even a bed with a stranger. Meals were generally served three times a day with the main meal served at midday.

Taverns also hosted traveling performers, exhibitions, and various types of gaming. Billiards was a popular tavern pastime as were numerous card games, dice, and table games such as backgammon and chess.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 36° 19.77′ N, 77° 35.329′ W. Marker is in Halifax, North Carolina, in Halifax County. Marker is at the intersection of King Street and St. David Street, on the left when traveling north on King Street.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 King St, Halifax NC 27839, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eagle Tavern (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Eagle Tavern (a few steps from this marker); "Colonial Churchyard" (a few steps from this marker); The Tap Room (a few steps from this marker); John H. Eaton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Town of Halifax (within shouting distance of this marker); Halifax Colonial Jails (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Punishment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.

More about this marker. On the upper right is a "Notice of slaves to be hired out at a Halifax tavern. North Carolina Journal, December 30, 1796." and "The Attack on Old Bobs and Syllabus." Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

On the lower left is a drawing captioned, "American Stage Wagon, J. Storer." Library of Congress.

On the bottom is an illustrations from the "Roanoke Advocate, July 22, 1830." and "Many forms of entertainment traveled through Halifax, including this wax figure collection. North Carolina Journal, April 23, 1804."

On the right is a "Background image above:

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

2. Early American Taverns Marker

Dance in a Country Tavern, Krimmel," Historical Society of Pennsylvania. and "Top center: Seven Hearths Tavern, Hillsborough North Carolina circa 1800." Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 564 times since then and 14 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.