1710 Tavern

Discover one of Virginia’s oldest taverns, where colonial history comes alive.

1710 Tavern LLC

Quick Facts

Location:

314 S. Water Lane, Tappahannock, VA 22560

Significance:

One of Virginia’s oldest taverns, 1710 Tavern offers visitors a rich culinary and historical experience tied to the Chesapeake Bay’s colonial trade and early American revolution.

Designation:

National Registry of Historic Places; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site

MANAGED BY:

1710 Tavern LLC

Amenities

6 listed

Cellular Signal, Food/Drink - Bar/Alcohol For Sale, Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom

Experience history with every bite at 1710 Tavern, the oldest building in Tappahannock and one of Virginia’s oldest taverns. Located just steps from the Rappahannock River, this Chesapeake Gateways Network Site invites you to dine where revolutionaries once gathered, and Chesapeake Bay history unfolded.

A staple during Tappahannock’s heyday as an international port, the tavern served travelers,sailors, and merchants as a key stop for trade, hospitality, and spirited debate. Today, it offers a glimpse into the daily life and political ferment in the Chesapeake Bay region during the 1700s. With the carefully preserved, original architecture and historic artifacts found on-site, the tavern deepens visitors’ connection to the Chesapeake’s layered past through its programming and exhibits.

The tavern pairs its rich history with regionally inspired dining in the heart of the Tappahannock Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy locally inspired cuisine where George Washington once visited and local leaders debated the Leedstown Resolves and Essex Resolutions, precursors to the Declaration of Independence. Relax outdoors under a pecan tree in the Tavern Yard or sip a handcrafted cocktail at the bar made from 300-year-old walnut. Whether through historic interpretation or meals, 1710 Tavern invites guests to experience the Chesapeake’s story where it was lived.

As a Chesapeake Gateways Network Site, the 1710 Tavern invites exploration into the Chesapeake region’s intertwined cultural and heritage in unforgettable ways. Learn more by visiting their website.

The National Park Service, through the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act, is authorized to collaborate with private sector entities when identifying Chesapeake Gateways Network places and experiences. Designation as part of the network reflects a site's relevance to the natural, cultural, or historical context of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It does not constitute an endorsement by the National Park Service of the quality of services, products, or facilities offered by the site.