Abingdon in Washington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Tavern

1779

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

1. The Tavern Marker

Inscription. Oldest building in Abingdon

Originally a stagecoach stop, inn, and tavern

First post office west of the Blue Ridge

Served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1779.

Location. 36° 42.751′ N, 81° 58.137′ W. Marker is in Abingdon, Virginia, in Washington County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 11) east of Court Street SE, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 E Main St, Abingdon VA 24210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington House (here, next to this marker); The Tavern – 1779 (here, next to this marker); First Washington County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Virginia House (within shouting distance of this marker); Abingdon House (within shouting distance of this marker); Abingdon Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolf Cave (within shouting distance of this marker); Wolf Hills Cave House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abingdon.

Regarding The Tavern. Originally known as

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Vance's Tavern, it offered meals and lodging for stagecoach travelers — including such notables as Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson. The building also has served as Abingdon's first post office (the original mail slot remains), as well as a bank, private home, antique shop, restaurant and bakery, among other uses.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 23, 2022

2. The Tavern Marker

Featured marker is at the building's left corner.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 4, 2022

3. The Tavern

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 4, 2022

4. The Tavern Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on November 23, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.