Columbia in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern
S Main St & S Liberty St
— Historic Main Street —
Photographed By Thomas Smith, May 18, 2021
1. Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern Marker
Inscription.
Franklin Inn and Buck Tavern. S Main St and S Liberty St. 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.
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.
Location. 38° 26.51′ N, 90° 11.823′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Illinois, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and East Liberty Street, on the right when traveling 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schaefer House (a few steps from this marker);
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 318 times since then and 57 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.
