Square Tavern, Colonial tavern in Newtown Township, Pennsylvania
Square Tavern is a two-and-a-half-story brick building with a gable roof located at the intersection of Newtown Street Road and Goshen Road. The Delaware County Tourist Bureau now operates an information center within the structure.
Built in 1742 by Francis Elliot, the tavern functioned as a critical stop for Conestoga wagons traveling the route between Philadelphia and Lancaster. It played an important role in colonial trade and travel patterns.
The building served as the childhood home of Benjamin West, a painter who went on to create major works depicting American historical events. This connection gives the place personal significance in the story of an important figure in early American art.
The tavern is easily accessible at a prominent intersection where visitors can easily spot it. The Tourist Bureau office on-site can provide helpful information about the area and its surroundings.
A 1981 restoration project uncovered an original open passage between the dining room and kitchen that was specifically designed for passing dishes. This hidden architectural detail reveals how carefully everyday routines were built into the building's layout.
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