Gadsby's Tavern
100 Block North Royal Street
The Exterior
City Hotel
C.T. Photochrom
Published by Louis Kaufmann & Sons, Baltimore, MD. Made in U.S.A.
Known as Gadsby's Tavern during General Washington's time. Used by him as his headquarters
during the revolutionary war. His inaugural ball was danced in this building and from its front
door he delivered his farewell address to his soldiers at the close of the revolutionary war.(Caption from postcard)
Gadsby's Tavern
Capitol Souvenir Company, Washington, D.C
A Capsco Product
The smaller building, displaying the flag was built in 1752 and was called the City Tavern. In 1793,
John Gadsby rented both buildings and ran it under the name Gadsby's Tavern. It was one of the most important taverns
in the colonial days where the Alexandria Assembly held their meetings and balls. Layfayette,
Baron de Kalb and John Paul Jones were a few of the famous people in history that have stayed at the tavern.
General and Mrs. Washington attended the last public celebration of Washington's
birthday which was held here. A month before his death, Washington reviewed the local troops
from the steps and gave his last military command.
(Caption from postcard)
Gadsby's Tavern
Shenandoah Publishing House, Inc., Strasburg, Virginia
In 1797 Gadsby took over the City Hotel and City Tavern, calling them Gadsby's Tavern.
Gadsby conducted this until about 1824.(Caption from postcard)
Garden View
Copyrighted by the Alexandria Garden Club
View from the garden in the old court yard, showing the steeple on the city hall in the background.
(Caption from postcard)
The Interior
Tavern Room
National Press, Inc., North Chicago
Building built in 1752, known as Mason's Ordinary, which signified any person could eat here.
Did not have to be a club member. First Committe authorized to amend the Articles
of Confederation met here. This was the start of our Constitution. This building saw the end
of the British Rule and the very beginning of our nation. Birthdays of King George II
were celebrated here. This was the "halfway" place along King's Highway from Williamsburg, Va., to
Philadelphia, Pa. American Legion Post 24 restored this in 1929.Ball Room
Shenandoah Publishing House, Inc., Strasburg, Virginia
Ball Room at Gadsby's Tavern with original woodwork on display at Metropolitan Museum in New York City...(Caption from postcard)
Female Stranger's Room
Published by John Alexander Chapter, NSDAR
Printed by Cooper-Trent
Many legends combining mystery, romance and tragedy center about the story of the Female Stranger who died
in this room in 1816. Also, Anne Warren, "ornament of the American stage," and ancestor of Joseph Jefferson,
occupied the same room in 1808...(Caption from postcard)