White Horse Tavern - Newport, RI
N 41° 29.478 W 071° 18.822
19T E 306859 N 4595882
The White Horse Tavern claims to be "the oldest tavern in America."
Waymark Code: WM73DD
Location: Rhode Island, United States
Date Posted: 08/26/2009
Views: 10
The original building was constructed in 1652 by Frances Brinley. In 1673 the lot was sold to William Mayes and the building was enlarged and become a tavern. The building was also used for large meetings including use by the Rhode Island General Assembly, a court house, and a city hall. William Mayes, Sr. obtained a tavern license in 1687 and William Mayes, Jr., a well-known pirate, operated the tavern through the early eighteenth century. In 1730 Jonathan Nichols became the owner and name it “White Horse Tavern.” During the Revolutionary War, Tories and British troops were housed here during the time of the British occupation and the Battle of Rhode Island. After years of neglect as a boarding house, Newport's Van Bueren family donated money to the private Preservation Society of Newport to restore the building in 1952. After the restoration, the building was sold and once again operated as a private tavern and restaurant. Today the White Horse Tavern is still a popular drinking and dining establishment located in Newport’s historic district.
The White Horse Tavern is open for lunch Monday thru Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and daily for dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Brunch is available 12 noon - 3:00 p.m.
Street address: 26 Marlborough St. Newport, RI United States 02840
County / Borough / Parish: Newport County
Year listed: 1972
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1700-1749
Historic function: Domestic/Government/Dwelling
Current function: Restaurant
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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