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

Bell Tavern

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 7, 2026

1. Bell Tavern Marker

Inscription. Three structures have occupied this site including Bell Tavern (1790s-1845), Macoy house (1850s-1940s), and the present building which has served as a pharmacy and restaurant. Bell Tavern, named for the large bell that stood in front, was operated by Benjamin Shackelford (1790 - 1817), Jeremiah Strother (1817 - early 1830s), and William Ashby (1830s - 1845). While operated by Shackelford and Strother, President Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, James Madison, and Attorney General William Wirt stayed at the Tavern. The Fairfax Masonic Lodge and Post Office were both first established here in 1794. Jefferson stayed here during a March 13, 1809 snowstorm after completing his presidency. Lafayette dined here on August 22, 1825 as a grand banquet was prepared for him in the enclosed sunken garden in the rear of the tavern during his triumphal Farewell Tour of America. Lafayette's entourage included his son, Georges Washington Lafayette, President Monroe, and Lafayette's secretary, Auguste Levasseur.

Erected 2025 by Museum of Culpeper History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era

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• Entertainment • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is August 22, 1825.

Location. 38° 28.312′ N, 77° 59.807′ W. Marker is in Culpeper, Virginia, in Culpeper County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street (Business U.S. 29) and West Locust Street, on the left when traveling north on South Main Street. Marker is on the east facade of the commercial structure currently occupied by 4 Cs Restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 South Main Street, Culpeper VA 22701, 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 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

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 7, 2026

2. Bell Tavern Marker

within walking distance of this marker: Colonel John Jameson — 1751-1810 (within shouting distance of this marker); Culpeper Baptist Church History (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Blair Property and Sugar Bottom (about 500 feet away); 406 South East Street (about 500 feet away); South East Street Historic District (about 600 feet away); Historic Antioch Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); 410 South East Street (about 600 feet away); Culpeper's Original Courthouses, The Stamp Act, and The Culpeper Resolves (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Culpeper.

Another marker is no longer nearby. A.P. Hill's Boyhood Home (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 96 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.