Indian Queen Tavern and Black's Store, historic hotel and store complex in Charlestown, Maryland, U.S
Indian Queen Tavern and Black's Store is a historic building complex in Charlestown, Maryland, consisting of two main structures from the mid-1700s: a former inn and a store building, positioned adjacent to each other around a small courtyard. The structures feature colonial-era construction with wood-frame posts, brick walls filled with smaller bricks, wooden shiplap siding, and a central chimney that served as the main heat source.
The tavern was established in the 1740s by Zebulon Hollingsworth along a major road connecting Philadelphia and Baltimore, providing lodging and meals to passing travelers. In 1804, Jonas Owens purchased the property along with the nearby Red Lyon Tavern, and the buildings remained under family management, particularly through Hannah Black and her husband.
The name Indian Queen refers to a tavern that served as a social gathering place where travelers exchanged news and met locals. The location along a main travel route made it a natural hub for community interaction and trade activities.
The site is located on Market Street between Bladen and Cecil Streets in Charlestown and includes the two main buildings plus outbuildings such as a log kitchen and smokehouse that are easily accessible within the compact complex. You can explore the entire area on foot at a leisurely pace, and nearby historic structures and a covered bridge add context to your visit.
The property was restored in 1967 with funding from the Maryland Historical Trust to preserve the buildings in their original form and prevent decay. This preservation effort led to its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, officially recognizing it as an important part of early American history.
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