May 12, 2004 By Frances Borsodi Zajac 2 min read

Mount Washington Tavern, an interesting peek into life of a 19th century traveler, will be the focal point of celebrating for the National Park Service once again during the National Road Festival. “People will be dressed in costume and we’ll have tours of the building,’ said ranger Carney Rigg.

Festivities will take place at Mount Washington Tavern Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the festival. The tavern is part of Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, which will open at 9 a.m.

There will also be a number of demonstrators at the tavern, including a blacksmith, cooper, a man who does spinning and women who do bobbin and lace, and tatting.

“And we’ll be making butter throughout the day,’ said Rigg.

According to the Fort Necessity Web site, “The Mount Washington Tavern was one of many taverns located along the National Road, the first highway built by the federal government. The tavern, built about 1828, was in operation during the heyday of the National Road. James and Rebecca Sampey and their family owned and operated the imposing brick and stone building. The Mount Washington Tavern catered to the stagecoach clientele and was serviced by the Good Intent Stagecoach Line.

“The tavern owes its name to George Washington, who as a young man fought a battle nearby. He returned 15 years later to initiate the purchase of the land which he owned until his death in 1799.’

The tavern includes the barroom, where travelers enjoyed food, drink and conversation; the parlor where ladies, children and gentlemen could rest; the dining room, which might have been the busiest room in the tavern; the kitchen where food was prepared on an open hearth; and the upstairs bedrooms, where strangers often shared a bed.

The Web site noted that prosperity along the National Road came to an end with the coming of the railroad.

For more information on the tavern, check the Web site at www.nps.gov/fone

.