Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Bell Tavern
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
1. Bell Tavern Marker
Bell Tavern
used as a
Recruiting Station
during the War of 1812
Erected by Dorothy Payne Madison Chapter, National Society United States Daughters of 1812.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the United States Daughters of 1812, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 37° 32.074′ N, 77° 25.807′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. It is at the intersection of East Main Street and North 15th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: A different marker also named Odd Fellows Hall (a few steps from this marker); Reconciliation Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); The Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); Auction Houses (about 500 feet away); The Old State Capitol (about 700 feet away); Kahal Kadosh Beth Shalome (about 700 feet away); The General Assembly of Virginia
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Odd Fellows Hall (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Slave Trade Reconciliation Triangle (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Reconciliation Statue (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Slave Auction Site (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Davenport Trading Company (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Slave Trade In Richmond (was about 700 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Bell Tavern. The Bell Tavern was located...on the site of Bowler's Tavern. The tavern was opened in December 1803, demolished in 1846, and rebuilt as the New City Hotel. ...The Bell was a popular meeting place. Washington and Lafayette were reportedly entertained
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
2. The Bell Tavern plaque is mounted in the wall
Many of the early public auctions of slaves in Richmond took place on the streets. As the industry
developed further, the auctions moved to the taverns frequented by the traders. Bell Tavern was the
center of the slave trade during the first part of the 1800s. ...the tavern was the site of many slave auctions and housed the offices of at least two slave trading firms. R.H. Dickinson and Thomas Taliaferro had offices at Bell Tavern. Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Also see . . . The National Society United States Daughters of 1812. (Submitted on February 21, 2010.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
3. E Main & N 15th Streets
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 31, 2025
4. Bell Tavern Marker
Since the installation of Pulse bus stops, an electrical box has obscured this marker from view unless the visitor goes around behind it. It is still accessible, just hidden from disinterested passers by.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,766 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
