Christiana Campbell's Tavern
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern (c. 1765) Tavern mistress Christiana Campbell considered this generous house with its gracious porch ideally suited for entertaining guests in the best of southern style. In 1771, she began advertising “genteel Accommodations, and the very best Entertainment” at her own tavern located behind the Capitol. George Washington frequently ate at Campbell’s Tavern while attending the House of Burgesses. Virginians gathered in candlelit rooms of the tavern or sought refreshment on its comfortable porch to talk of politics and horse racing. In 1954, Colonial Williamsburg architects began reconstruction of Campbell’s Tavern and in 1956 opened the restaurant to the public. Today, the tavern house is filled with crackling fires, strolling minstrels and delighted guests who come year after year to sample delicious Virginia.
