Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

This item is in the public domain. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication .

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], License for the Tankersley Tavern at the Charlotte Court House in Virginia, 1799, Ms2023-003, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 2023.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the License for the Tankersley Tavern at the Charlotte Court House in Virginia was completed in January 2023.

Historical Note

The Tankersley Tavern, founded and operated by John Tankersley from 1762-1782 was the town's most well-known tavern. George Washington dined there while on his famous Southern Tour of the United States in 1791, and it is reported that Patrick Henry either made his last speech at the tavern or retired there afterward, in 1799. At the same occasion in 1799, John Randolph made his first public speech at Tankersley Tavern. Williamson operated the tavern from 1799 to 1807, and again from 1820-1822.

Scope and Content

This collection contains a copy of a license for the Tankersley Tavern in Charlotte County, Virginia. The document is dated February 5th, 1799, and was issued to Williamson Price and Thomas Read. Among the restrictions are an agreement not to allow unlawful gaming or excessive drinking on the Sabbath.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Cocktail History Collection
• Cocktails -- History
• History of Food and Drink
• Price, Williamson
• Read, Thomas

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the License for the Tankersley Tavern at the Charlotte Court House in Virginia by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).