Dickson Tavern, commercieel gebouw in de Verenigde Staten

The Dickson Tavern is a three-story stone building located at the corner of 2nd and French Streets in downtown Erie, constructed in 1815 and combining Greek Revival features with Federal design elements. The northern section displays evenly spaced windows characteristic of Federal style, while the southern addition, built later, features Greek Revival architecture with asymmetrical details.

The building was constructed in 1815 by William Himrod for John Dickson, a Baltimore native who arrived in Erie in 1808 and established the Exchange Coffee House to attract wealthier clientele. Following Dickson's departure from the city in 1829, the structure passed through various owners and purposes until the city acquired it in 1924 to prevent its demolition.

The Dickson Tavern served as more than just a gathering place for food and drink, functioning as the social center where residents conducted business, secured loans, and debated politics. The building also held religious significance for the Irish Catholic community, who gathered here monthly for mass before the town's first Catholic church was established.

The building is located near the UPMC Hamot medical center in downtown Erie and remains visible from the street even though it is not currently open to the public. Its distinctive architectural style combining Federal and Greek Revival elements makes it recognizable during a walk through the historic district.

Local legend speaks of tunnels beneath the building that may have been part of the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves reach Canada, though researchers have not confirmed the existence or purpose of these passages. The mystery of these historical claims adds an intriguing layer to the site's story.

• Location: Erie
• Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture
• GPS coordinates: 42.13389,-80.08639
• Latest update: February 9, 2026 08:20