Bladensburg in Prince George's County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Indian Queen Tavern
Bladensburg Archaeology
— Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 18, 2014
1. Indian Queen Tavern Marker
Around 1763, Jacob and Henrietta Wirt constructed a two story wooden tavern here. During the 18th century, taverns offered dinner, drink, and a comfortable bed to weary travelers. A decade later, Jacob died and left his property, including the brick store (George Washington House), to his heirs. By the mid-19th century, the tavern was demolished and German immigrant Francis Gasch built a home and shop for his cabinet and coffin making business on this lot.George Washington frequently traveled on this road to Baltimore and Philadelphia and was familiar with the Indian Queen Tavern. In a letter to Elizabeth Willing Powell, dated March 26, 1797, he observed that although Spurrier's Tavern in Jessup was frequented by travelers, "the lodging is bad—the eating is tolerable; better for lodging and eating. At Bladensburg nine miles beyond, a good house is kept by one Ross (sign of the Indian Queen)."
Erected 2014 by Maryland State Highway Administration.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era
this page online
Location. 38° 56.482′ N, 76° 56.458′ W. Marker is in Bladensburg, Maryland, in Prince George's County. Marker is on Baltimore Avenue (U.S. 1) when traveling north. Marker is in the parking lot of the Anacostia Watershed Society (George Washington House). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4302 Baltimore Ave, Bladensburg MD 20710, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Washington House (within shouting distance of this marker); British Advance (within shouting distance of this marker); Bladensburg Monuments (within shouting distance of this marker); The Road to the Capital (within shouting distance of this marker); Undaunted In Battle (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peace Cross (about 700 feet away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bladensburg.
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 1, 2015
2. Indian Queen Tavern Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, January 1, 2015
3. Indian Queen Tavern Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 18, 2014
4. Indian Queen Tavern Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 18, 2014
5. Village Tavern
Close-up painting on marker
Toledo Museum of Art
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 18, 2014
6. Archaeological Finds:
A Cask Tap
& 18th Century Glazed Ceramic
A Cask Tap
& 18th Century Glazed Ceramic
In 2010, Maryland State Highway Administration archaeologists excavated within the parking lot of the George Washington House and discovered hundreds of artifacts related to the early tavern, including a cask tap (pictured above). The discovery of glass stemmed goblets, nicely decorated dishes, and expensive cuts of meat suggest the Indian Queen Tavern catered to upscale clientele. To learn more about the archaeology of Bladensburg, visit www.bladensburgarchaeology.com.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,380 times since then and 280 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 21, 2014, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
