Catamount Tavern, Colonial tavern site in Old Bennington, Vermont, US
The Catamount Tavern was a two-story wooden building that stood from 1769 to 1871 and shaped the village of Old Bennington. A granite and copper monument now marks its former location near Monument Avenue and Highway 9.
The building was constructed in 1769 and played a key role during the American Revolution as a meeting place for movement leaders. It was where important military strategies were planned before it was demolished after more than a century.
The tavern served as a gathering place where locals met to discuss important community matters during the Revolutionary era. People collected there to share news and participate in the public life that shaped the early settlement.
The site is easy to reach because it sits on a main street in Old Bennington and is clearly marked with a monument. Visitors can explore the area on foot and view the marker from the road without requiring any special access.
The name came from a mounted stuffed mountain lion head displayed on a sign above the entrance to impress settlers. The animal served as a symbol to underscore land claims and deter competition from neighboring regions.
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