The Black Powder Tavern Legend

NAMED IN HONOR OF THE FIGHTING SPIRIT THAT FORGED OUR GREAT NATION

Since 1746, the building that houses this tavern has played a part in the establishment of our nation; first as a respite for stagecoach travelers expanding westward and later as a covert rendezvous point for George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, and other leaders of the American revolution. It is believed that during the infamous winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge, a major figure in the Continental Army, master military mind Friedrich Von Steuben, designated the tavern as a secret black powder munitions stash for Continental Army couriers. All the while, the tavern continued to provide food, shelter and cheer to the hungry, weary soldiers fighting for their independence. Today, we honor our historic tavern’s tradition with a mission to raise the spirits of our guests. We invite you to experience the small and large plates, craft beers and revolutionary hospitality that is Black Powder Tavern.

Meet the Players

georgewashington

GEORGE WASHINGTON

While the troops hunkered down for the winter at nearby Valley Forge, General George took important strategy meetings and knocked back an ale or two right here at our old tavern.

lafayette

MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

My enemy’s enemy is my friend. As long as we were sticking it to the Brits our friends the French were willing to lend a hand. The young Marquis De Lafayette was befriended by General Washington and they remained life long friends. A member of the French aristocracy, Marquis de Lafayette was well schooled in strategy and was a great contributor to the victories enjoyed by the Continental Army that led to our Nation’s freedom.

steuben

FRIEDRICH VON STEUBEN

Also around the table leaning over battlefield plans was Baron von Steuben. This Prussian born military officer not only was an essential advisor to the father of our nation, he wrote the book that was used to train our troops for the next fifty years. His advanced battle field sensibilities and strong sense of discipline instructed our troops on how to gain an advantage even when out manned or out gunned.