Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
George Washington House
(Circa 1752)
Photographed by F. Robby, January 2, 2004
1. George Washington House Marker
The George Washington House, often referred to as the Indian Queen Tavern, was built by tavern keeper Jacob Wirt. Prior to the Revolution, when Bladensburg was a thriving port town, this building was rented out to Cunningham and Company, a Scottish mercantile firm, which traded in tobacco. The building later served as a tavern and stagecoach stop for weary travellers during their journeys along the Old Post Road, a major route linking the north and south.
From 1774 to 1783 it was run by innkeeper-turned-lawyer and balloonist Peter Carnes. In 1784 Carnes made the first authenticated unmanned and manned balloon ascents in America.
In 1792 this building was sold to further the legal education of William Wirt, Jacob's youngest son, William, born here in 1772, later became a prominent lawyer, author, and noted United States Attorney General (1817 to 1829) and a candidate for President in 1832.
In 1894 populist reformer Jacob Coxey and his army of unemployed protesters camped here during their march on Washington, D.C. seeking federal aid.
★ Purchased by the Prince George's Jaycees for restoration June 30, 1972
★ Placed on the National Register of Historic Places April 1, 1974
★ Funded by Boy Scout Troop 731, Patuxent District, N.C.A.C.
this page online
Erected by Prince George's County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Colonial Era • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1972.
Location. 38° 56.463′ N, 76° 56.47′ W. Marker is in Bladensburg, Maryland, in Prince George's County. It is at the intersection of Upshur Street and Baltimore Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Upshur Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bladensburg MD 20710, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. 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 one of the original Thirteen Colonies and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: British Advance (a few steps from this marker); Bladensburg Monuments (a few steps from this marker); The Road to the Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Queen Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Undaunted In Battle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peace Cross (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); World War II Honor Roll (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bladensburg.
Also see . . .
1. Town of Bladensburg entry for the Indian Queen Tavern. Repaired broken link; 06/28/2025 LPG. (Submitted on January 6, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 18, 2010
2. George Washington House Marker
2. The Indian Queen Tavern Site (18PR96). A 20,000 Year History of People and Plants in Maryland website entry (Submitted on June 28, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by F. Robby, January 2, 2004
3. George Washington House
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, January 5, 2008
4. "Often referred to as the Indian Queen Tavern . . ."
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 7,458 times since then and 244 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on July 18, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 16, 2007, by F. Robby of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on January 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.
