Colonial Taverns Took Sides During the Revolution (NAPSA)—Many Valley Forge countryside inns and tavernsfrequented by General George Washington and his opponent, British General Howearestill welcoming travelers to enjoy a good meal or a beverage —anda slice of history. The old well at the Blue Bell Inn provided water for Washington's troops on their way to the Battle of Germantown. After losing the battle, Washington and his men retreated to the Blue Bell area and Washington stayed at the Inn. Ever hearthe old saying, “Keep your powder dry?” Wet gunpowder was the downfall of Washington's troops in the “Battle of the Clouds,” as they hid near the White Horse Tavern in Frazer, waiting to ambush the British. A sudden thunderstorm soaked the supplies and rendered their gunpowder useless. The Dilworthtown Inn in West Chester was severely damaged during the occupation of the British Army after the Battle of the Brandywine. Owner and American sympathizer Charles Dilworth submitted a damageclaim for the loss of livestock, grains, alcohol, furniture, china, pewter, clothing, and a 14-year-old worker who ran away with the British. According to tradition, Washington stayed at the Seven Stars Inn in the days following the Battle of Brandywine. The General Warren Inne in Malvern was a British stronghold, then known as the Admiral Warren. British soldiers took a local blacksmith to the inn and tortured him until he revealed the location of General Anthony Wayne’s secret camp. The result was the “Paoli Massacre,” when the British launched a stealthy bayonet attack on the camp, killing between 50 and 100 men and wounding 150 more. wees TS Few inns were left out when George Washington and his opponentBritish General Howe needed a good meal or a place to stay in the Valley Forge Area. Hessian soldiers visited the General Lafayette Inn, then called Three Tuns, as they pursued the retreating Americans up Germantown Pike after the Battle of Germantown. The William Penn Inn in Gwynedd is named for its most famousvisitor, who rode out from Philadelphia with his daughter and stopped at the home of Thomas Evans. Evans’ home was one of many located at major crossroads which started out as homes and later became inns becauseof their prime locations. The Old Mill Inn in Hatboro was a grist mill when General Washington and his troops used it as a lookout during the Battle of Crooked Billet on May 1, 1778. After serving 200 years as a mill, the building was transformed into a fine restaurant. For a free Valley Forge Visitors Guide and Calendar of Events, listing these inns and other area attractions, call 1-888-Visit VF. Or visit the Web site, www.valley forge.org.
