Falls Church, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Star Tavern

Front Side of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 12, 2007

1. Front Side of Marker

Inscription. After no luck in western goldmines Walter H. Erwin in 1852 bought two acres for $100 (part of 1729 248-acre Trammel grant). Built frame tavern on this site which became a landmark on Leesburg Pike. 1861 sketch shows it with a verandah and green glass star atop a pole. After war, the Independent Order of Grand Templars held their temperance meetings in the tavern. Inn was used for many purposes as successively remodeled. It served as community post office until the 1870s and as grocery store in 1910. Building replaced by Falls Church Bank in 1924 and then by the George Mason Square in 1984.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, City of Falls Church series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 38° 52.936′ N, 77° 10.282′ W. Marker is in Falls Church, Virginia. It is at the intersection of West Broad Street (State Highway 7) and Washington Street (U.S. 29), on the right when traveling east on West Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Falls Church VA 22046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Memorial Stone at Falls Church

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); To the Glory of God and in Honor of George Washington (about 500 feet away); Union Soldiers (about 500 feet away); James Wren (about 500 feet away); Enslaved People (about 500 feet away); The Falls Church (about 500 feet away); Confederate Soldiers (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Falls Church.

More about this marker. The back side of the marker a drawing of the tavern from the Civil War showing soldiers and civilians passing on horseback.

Back Side of Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 12, 2007

2. Back Side of Marker

The "star" is seen prominently at the front of the tavern in the drawing.

Intersection of Broad and Washington image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 12, 2007

3. Intersection of Broad and Washington

The buildings change, and people drive cars by instead of riding horses, but the heavy traffic along the Pike remains.

Star Tavern - 1861 Sketch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2014

4. Star Tavern - 1861 Sketch

Close-up of image on marker

Detail of 1861 Sketch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, October 4, 2014

5. Detail of 1861 Sketch

Showing the verandah and the star.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,963 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 9, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on October 6, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.