Black Horse Tavern

The Black Horse Tavern is a two-and-a-half-story wooden building with a gabled roof and four-bay facade located at 175 North Cove Road in Old Saybrook. The original vertical board door, framed by pilasters, marks the main entrance of the structure.

John Burrows built this tavern in 1712 on land originally granted to John Clark Sr. in 1644 near Fort Saybrook. The structure dates from the early colonial period when the settlement was developing as a trading center.

The location sits in an area that developed as a shipbuilding center, drawing workers and travelers from afar. The tavern served as a gathering place for people involved in maritime trades and river commerce.

The building can be viewed from the street and allows visitors to examine its architectural details up close. It is best visited during daylight hours when the entire facade is well-lit and structural features are clearly visible.

The building operated continuously as a tavern and inn from 1712 until 1924 without interruption. It then transformed into a private residence while preserving its original wooden structure and exterior appearance.