Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Tavern Park

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 16, 2011

1. Tavern Park Marker

Inscription. You are standing within Lot Number One of the Old town of Petersburg, as laid out for Abraham Jones, Jr., in December of 1783. The first owner was William Byrd II of Westover. William Pride purchased the lot in 1745, and, entrepreneur that he was, very likely constructed the tavern that stood here during the Revolution and afterwards, known as James Durell’s Tavern for its operator, and, after 1791, owner. The tavern was prepared to entertain George Washington on the second evening of his visit in 1791, but the President rose at 3:00 in the morning and rode north out of town. Both Pride and Durell owned both the tavern and the Upper landing (or old stone warehouse) lots. The tavern complex continued in that usage through the 1820s. By the I94os, the lot was occupied by Ritchtie’s Seed and Feed, which abutted and wrapped around the Peter Jones Trading Post. The seed and feed establishment burned in a spectacular fire in 1980, substantially destroying the Trading Post in the process.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1783.

Location. 37° 13.985′

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N, 77° 24.458′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Grove Avenue and North Market Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, 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: Concrete Bunker (a few steps from this marker); Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Major Peter Jones (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Peter Jones Trading Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Golden Ball Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); Readjuster Party (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lt. Col. Howard Baugh, Tuskegee Airman (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Rock Garden (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Petersburg’s Role In Trade (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Historic Petersburg Foundation. (Submitted on October 18, 2011.)

Site of James Durell’s Tavern image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 16, 2011

2. Site of James Durell’s Tavern

Lot Number One of the old town of Petersburg image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 16, 2011

3. Lot Number One of the old town of Petersburg

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, October 11, 2025

4. Tavern Park Marker

Tavern Park has been neglected and is now overgrown. The marker and archway are all that remains accessible to a visitor today (2025)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,092 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on October 19, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.