Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Bell Tavern. Records, 1802-1846. Accession 20063, 22969a, Business records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Accession 20063 was lent for copying by M.C. Butler, 8 July 1929; Accession 22969a was purchased, 23 January 1949.

Biographical/Historical Information

The Bell Tavern was located in Richmond, Virginia, on the corner of Main Street at 15th Street, on the site of Bowler's Tavern. The tavern was opened in December 1803, demolished in 1846, and rebuilt as the New City Hotel. It was renamed the St. Charles Hotel in 1854 and continued in operation until 1902, when it was demolished during the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad depot erected on the site. The Bell was a popular meeting place. Washington and Lafayette were reportedly entertained there, and the tavern was used during the War of 1812 as a recruiting station. Nathan Bell owned the property upon which the tavern was built and operation of the tavern was leased to a succession of managers.

Scope and Content Information

Includes accounts of Nathan Bell, as well as an affidavit, deeds, letters, and a report of referees, referring to a dispute between John Bell and the tavern's tenants (1802-1815; Acc. 20063). Accession 22969a includes records relating to a judgment against Thomas Baxter for brickwork performed during the reconstruction of Bell Tavern as hotel. Includes an account, articles of agreement, a broadside, plans, and receipts.