La Taverna

In the peaceful and altogether beautify Schuylkill Valley, stands a unique, historic tavern, still open for the reception of travelers and guests, even as it was in those days, when the early settlers were sent to congregate there, for business, diversion or share good fellowship, over steaming toddy. According to Pennypacker's history of Phoenixville and vicinity, William Moore built the first public house in the vicinity in the year 1734-The "Bull" tavern and for a long time it was the only place at which travelers whom curiosity or business brought to this vicinity could find accommodations. A Small building at first, with two rooms. It remained as such until enlarged by Samuel Lane. Many Years later (1843) Sampson Fudge made additional beneficial changes. This is another of those "Rare" -old time taverns, whose venerable existence is proclaimed to a somewhat skeptical public by the sight of the original sign still hanging at the "Bull" Tavern is frequently mentioned in English Histories of the revolution, and if we could with some limitless power, call up past scenes, what a tale of interesting and historic incidents would be available. Stand today in this old hosterly, and visualize;- It will perhaps have that soothing effect which sometimes is present when we contact old, venerated things-and so these very floors have been trodden by the moccasined feet of tribal Indian Chiefs, who perchance with misgivings- watched encroachment upon their land by the pale face". The commanders of both the "Drab" Colonials and the Red Coat British had their turns at being entertained, and here the generals of the militia met, to drill the awkward Continental Troops. On September nineteenth 1777 Lord Cornwallis and his men encamped at the "Bull" Tavern.