The White Horse Tavern was built in 1652 when our nation was a loose band of colonies British soldiers, pirates, and colonists all called Newport home. The large building was converted to a tavern in 1672, making it the oldest tavern in the United States. This unique Rhode Island treasure was one of the nation’s first meeting houses and served all manner of early American residents, including Hessian mercenaries, sailors, and even founding fathers.

When the tavern first opened, many people couldn’t read. The white horse was the symbol for a tavern.

Wikimedia/ Kenneth C. Zirkel

In 1702, William Mayes, Jr.. who was a notorious pirate, took over as innkeeper.

Flickr/ Steve Garfield He was granted a license to sell “all manner of strong drink” and was strongly supported by the people of Newport, causing plenty of embarrassment for British officials of the colony.

William’s sister Mary Mayes Nichols and her husband took over as innkeepers, and after them, their sons.

White Horse Tavern In 1776, John Nichols moved his family out rather than live with the Hessian mercenaries the British billeted there,

When Walter returned from the war, he added the gambrel roof we know today and enlarged the tavern.

Facebook/ White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is the birthplace of the “businessman’s lunch”.

Facebook/ White Horse Tavern In 1708, city councilors regularly ate there and charged the public treasury.

For the next 100 years, before the Colony House was built, the large tavern was the meeting place for the City Council, Criminal Court, and the Colony’s General Assembly.

Flickr/ The upstairs dining room looks just as it did in the 1700’s.

The huge fireplace is just one example of the 17th century architecture.

Flickr/ Matthew and Heather It also has clapboard walls, a tiny staircase, massive beams, and plain pediment doors.

Does this photo with the late afternoon sun streaming through the window reveal the White Horse Tavern ghost?

Flickr/ Leaning Ladder As the oldest tavern in the United States, it has its share of ghost stories. An elderly gentleman who died while renting a room in the tavern’s early days is said to still be around.

The tavern underwent a much-needed renovation in 1957.

Wikimedia/ Swampyank The Preservation Society of Newport County began restoration in 1954 and it reopened in 1957

It was purchased by O.L. Pitts of Fort Worth, Texas and his partners in 1981.

Wikimedia/ Swampyank The tavern was an infamous spot for revelry during the America’s Cup races. On his 90th birthday, Pitts turned it over to Newport native Paul Hogan. He is only the 6th owner in its 350-year history.

Visiting the oldest bar in America is on a lot of people’s Bucket List. Is it on yours? The White Horse Tavern is located at 26 Marlborough Street in Newport. Let us know your experience in the comments.

Wikimedia/ Kenneth C. Zirkel

Flickr/ Steve Garfield

He was granted a license to sell “all manner of strong drink” and was strongly supported by the people of Newport, causing plenty of embarrassment for British officials of the colony.

White Horse Tavern

In 1776, John Nichols moved his family out rather than live with the Hessian mercenaries the British billeted there,

Facebook/ White Horse Tavern

In 1708, city councilors regularly ate there and charged the public treasury.

Flickr/

The upstairs dining room looks just as it did in the 1700’s.

Flickr/ Matthew and Heather

It also has clapboard walls, a tiny staircase, massive beams, and plain pediment doors.

Flickr/ Leaning Ladder

As the oldest tavern in the United States, it has its share of ghost stories. An elderly gentleman who died while renting a room in the tavern’s early days is said to still be around.

Wikimedia/ Swampyank

The Preservation Society of Newport County began restoration in 1954 and it reopened in 1957

Wikimedia/ Swampyank

The tavern was an infamous spot for revelry during the America’s Cup races. On his 90th birthday, Pitts turned it over to Newport native Paul Hogan. He is only the 6th owner in its 350-year history.

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