Columbia in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern

S Main St & S Liberty St

— Historic Main Street —

Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 18, 2021

1. Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern Marker

Inscription. At this site stood the Franklin Inn, later called the "Buck Tavern" because its sign was adorned with deer horns. Built in 1828 as a stagecoach stop, it was famous for its hospitality. The stagecoach would change horses here, and the passengers refreshed themselves for the long journey to Renault, the overnight stop en route to Kaskaskia, where most passengers were headed to claim land. Prices for liquor included a free lunch, and were $1.25 per gallon for cheap whiskey, $1.85 for the best liquor and by the drink, only 5 and 10 cent. The building continued as a tavern and coach stop until 1872 when the railroad began. It remained a favorite watering hole in Columbia until its removal in 1958.

Erected by Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail; Columbia, Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 38° 26.51′ N, 90° 11.823′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Illinois, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and East Liberty Street, on the right when traveling

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north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia IL 62236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Schaefer House (a few steps from this marker); Breidecker House (within shouting distance of this marker); Roessler Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Immaculate Conception Church (about 400 feet away); The Miller-Fiege House (about 400 feet away); Old Engine House & Faust Dry Goods (about 400 feet away); Columbia (about 500 feet away); Gedern - Columbia Sister Cities since 1993 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Another marker is

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 18, 2021

2. Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern Marker

no longer nearby. Miller-Fiege Home (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 699 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 19, 2021, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.