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 Old Talbott Tavern Fire - Bardstown, KY Posted by:  rogueblack
N 37° 48.525 W 085° 28.006
16S E 634966 N 4185702
circa 1779, it survived a tragic fire in 1998 and was fully restored and operational in 1999.
Waymark Code: WM3D8N
Location: Kentucky, United States
Date Posted: 03/18/2008
Views: 55
From the Old Talbott Tavern website:
Travelers used to arrive on horseback or in buggies; today they come in automobiles. Tourists and locals mingle and lives intertwine in the "ordinary," a place to rest and receive nourishment before traveling on to their final destination.
The old stone reminder of Bardstown's beginnings still welcomes visitors to the bustling downtown area. Since the late 1700s, the Old Talbott Tavern on Court Square has provided shelter, food and drink to Kentucky travelers.
Talbott Tavern is said to be the oldest western stagecoach stop in America as the westward expansion brought explorers from the east into Kentucky.
According to legend, figures straight from the history books sought lodging here during their travels; as a young boy Abraham Lincoln and his family stayed here, Gen. George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, and exiled French King Louis Phillipe and his entourage stayed here, even painting murals on the upstairs walls. There are noticeable bullet holes in the now faded paintings and Jesse James is said to be responsible for them.
On March 7, 1998 an new chapter was written in the Old Talbott Tavern's history. The Tavern suffered from a devastating fire. An early morning blaze destroyed the roof and most of the second floor. The main floor suffered from smoke and water damage. The well-known murals suffered from heavy damage and have not yet been restored. The Tavern underwent a long period of rebuilding and finally reopened her doors in November of 1999.
The fire started behind the walls in the kitchens and destroyed much of the second story, including some of the murals painted by Louis Phillipe, Duke of Orleans, as well as the bullet holes put into the murals by outlaw Jesse James as critique of the masterpieces.
Type of Structure: Private Building
Fire Date: 03/07/1998
Structure status: Still standing building
Cause of Fire:
The fire started within the walls of the kitchen.
Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]
Other: Not listed
Construction Date: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Give a narrative of your experience. Did you learn anything after reading about the fire in the waymark? Photos are always welcome too. Please no virtual visits.
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