Tavern Smokehouse
This stone foundation was discovered archaeologically and denotes the location of the Tavern Smokehouse. For centuries, smokehouses were commonplace in the backyard landscape. This smokehouse played a vital role in providing meat year-round to the patrons of Salem Tavern.
Smokehouses and the smoke curing of meats is a tradition that can be traced back to medieval times times as a way to preserve meats. The smokehouse was a small, enclosed windowless structure with a central fire pit. The meat was suspended from poles for maximum smoke penetration. Smoke curing of meat is a two-part process. First the meat was packed in salt for up to six weeks in order removed the majority of the moisture. The meat would then be hung in the smokehouse with a smoldering fire for one of two weeks to complete the curing process. In order to achieve a smoldering, rather than high flaming fire, green wood was used. The type of wood used could enhance the flavor of the smoked meat. The use of hickory or applewood would result in very different flavors.
In addition to smoking the meat, smokehouses were often used to store the smoked meat. As a result a smokehouse would be also referred to as a meat-house.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology
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Location. 36° 5.127′ N, 80° 14.532′ W. Marker is in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Main Street and Blum Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 S Main St, Winston Salem NC 27101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Scaffold System (within shouting distance of this marker); Salem Square (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Salem Historic District (about 600 feet away); First Official 4th of July Celebration in the United States (about 700 feet away); Squire's Grave (about 700 feet away); Single Brothers' Diaconie (about 700 feet away); Last Burials in the Parish Graveyard (about 700 feet away); Loesch House Site (1789) (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Winston-Salem.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
