Halifax in Halifax County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Tap Room

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

1. The Tap Room Marker

Inscription. Constructed in 1760, this building was given the name “Tap Room” by twentieth-century historians. It has had many names and alterations in the past, including “Pope’s Hotel,” which had an adjoining building containing 19 fireplaces and 9 chimneys. It has been restored to its original gambrel roof configuration.

In the early 1790s, the building served many functions. Auctions of enslaved people and property occurred here. The Royal White Hart Masonic Lodge met here. Physicians, dentists, tailors, and watchmakers worked on the premises, and students took dancing lessons here. In 1891, the building became a private residence, and remained so until the state purchased it in 1972.

The Historical Halifax Restoration Association raised many of the funds needed to restore the building and furnish it with period reproductions. The Tap Room was dedicated in 2001 to Ray Wilkinson, the Association’s chairman for over 50 years.

Erected by The Historical Halifax Restoration Association, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1760.

Location. 36° 19.767′ N, 77° 35.315′ W. Marker is in Halifax, North Carolina, in Halifax County. Marker is at the intersection of

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King Street and Saint David Street, on the right when traveling north on King Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 King St, Halifax NC 27839, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eagle Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Early American Taverns (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Eagle Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); "Colonial Churchyard" (within shouting distance of this marker); John H. Eaton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Town of Halifax (within shouting distance of this marker); Halifax Colonial Jails (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Punishment (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.

More about this marker. On top is “The 1769 C. J. Southier map shows several buildings, gardens, a pasture and a small pond on lots associated with the Tap Room.”

On the right are photos with the captions:
“The front of the Tap Room in the early 20th century.”
“The back of the Tap Room circa 1938.” Frances Benjamin Johnston Collection, Library of Congress.
“This 1975 restoration photograph shows the building with an interior chimney removed and a third window revealed on the back of the building.”
“Left: This early 1920s photograph shows other

The Tap Room image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 27, 2012

2. The Tap Room

buildings located near the Tap Room. The “Polarine Oil” sign pictured directly below suggests that a mechanic’s garage was located a few doors down.”
“Ray Wilkinson (1925-2004) presiding over the 1976 Halifax Day commemoration.”

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 529 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on May 5, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.