Shockoe Slip in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Bell Tavern
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
1. Bell Tavern Marker
Bell Tavern
used as a
Recruiting Station
during the War of 1812
Erected by Dorothy Payne Madison Chapter, National Society United States Daughters of 1812.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the United States Daughters of 1812, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 37° 32.074′ N, 77° 25.807′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Shockoe Slip. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and North 15th Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Odd Fellows Hall (here, next to this marker); Reconciliation Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Slave Auction Site (within shouting distance of this marker); The Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); Davenport Trading Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Auction Houses (about 500 feet
this page online
Regarding Bell Tavern. The Bell Tavern was located...on the site of Bowler's Tavern. The tavern was opened in December 1803, demolished in 1846, and rebuilt as the New City Hotel. ...The Bell was a popular meeting place. Washington and Lafayette were reportedly entertained there, and the tavern was used during the War of 1812 as a recruiting station. Nathan Bell owned the property upon which the tavern was built and operation of the tavern was leased to a succession of managers. Library of Virginia
Many of the early public auctions of slaves in Richmond took place on the streets. As the industry
developed further, the auctions moved to the taverns frequented by the traders. Bell Tavern was the
center of the slave trade during the first part of the 1800s. ...the tavern was the site of many slave auctions and housed the offices of at least two slave trading firms. R.H. Dickinson and Thomas Taliaferro had offices at Bell Tavern. Virginia Department of Historic Resources
Also see . . .
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
2. The Bell Tavern plaque is mounted in the wall
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 18, 2010
3. E Main & N 15th Streets
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,926 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
