White Horse Tavern is the oldest tavern in the United States of America and is a must visit if you ever find yourself in Newport, Rhode Island! As one of the most historic and iconic buildings in the City by the Sea, the tavern offers an authentic colonial experience and a wide variety of cocktails and delectable dinner options.
History
The building that would become known as the White Horse Tavern was first constructed in 1652 as a two-room home for a man named Francis Brinley. When the home was purchased by William Mayes in 1673, it was converted to a tavern and quickly became a meeting place for the nascent town of Newport. In fact, the General Assembly for the colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations used the tavern as a meeting place for decades. Over the years, the building was also used as a court house and town hall.
In its capacity as a court house, one of the most fascinating and haunting court cases occurred within its walls. In February 1673, a Portsmouth man named Thomas Cornell found his elderly mother, Rebecca Cornell, burned to death near the fireplace in the sitting room of their house. Amidst his mortification, Thomas believed that his mother had fallen into the large fireplace or was lit aflame from a rogue spark or ash; however, this is where the story gets interesting.
Four days after Rebecca Cornell’s death, her brother John had a fitful night of sleep he would not soon forget. Not yet knowing of his sister’s death, he was awoken by a strange presence in his bedroom. A light appeared before him in the shape and appearance of a woman, to which he allegedly stated, “in the name of God, what art thou?” This ghostly apparition replied, “I am your sister Cornell,” and “see how I was burnt with fire.” John believed this vision was proof that his poor sister was actually burned/killed intentionally, and immediately came forward with the spectral evidence. The investigation into the death of Rebecca Cornell gained more interest and after a strange court case held in White Horse Tavern, Rebecca’s son, Thomas, was convicted for the murder of his own mother (this is the only legal case in history where spectral evidence was admitted).
In 1702, William Mayes took over the tavern from his father (of the same name) and soon handed it off to his sister Mary and her husband Robert Nichols. Interestingly, the tavern would essentially remain in the Nichols family for the next 200 years.
During the American Revolution and when the British army occupied Newport in 1776, the owner of the tavern was Walter Nichols. As part of the occupation, British and Hessian soldiers were quartered in houses and buildings around the town- this included the tavern. Many citizens, including Walter Nichols and his family, were understandably not happy with these uninvited guests and decided to leave town until the occupation was over. After the war, Nichols returned to Newport, expanded the building, and added its iconic gambrel roof.
White Horse Tavern continued to provide food and drink to townspeople and visitors throughout the 1800s, but by the mid-20th century it began to fall into disrepair. In 1954, the Preservation Society of Newport County acquired the dilapidated tavern and restored it to its former (and authentic) glory. As of 2014, the ninth owner (in over 350 years of existence) took possession of the tavern and has continued its proud tradition of good food, plentiful drink, and merriment.
Interesting Facts
- White Horse Tavern is considered the 10th oldest operating restaurant in the world
- The name “White Horse Tavern” was given to the tavern in 1730 by then owner Jonathan Nichols
- William Mayes Jr. (once the proprietor of White Horse Tavern) is believed to have been a pirate/privateer who operated as far away as the Red Sea
Our Visit & Recommendations
Out of the many colonial taverns that we have been able to visit, White Horse Tavern is one of our all-time favorites! From the authenticity of its interior, the friendly and professional staff, to the delectable food, it has so much to offer. Whether you visit in the heat of summer or during the dead of winter, the tavern’s doors are open to welcome the weary traveler. Of note, reservations are often necessary and the tavern observes a “smart casual” dress code (besides, who doesn’t like dressing up for a wonderful and classy dinner?).
If you are just visiting the tavern for a pre-dinner drink (or a round of drinks with good friends), there are two bars for guests to enjoy. The first floor bar is the oldest portion of the building and my favorite part of the tavern. Although small, it offers a cozy colonial experience complete with an old wood interior, low lighting, and massive original fireplace (a winter visit with a roaring fire is one of my fondest memories at the tavern).
The other bar is on the second floor, but is occasionally closed during slow times (such as winter and some week nights). On busier evenings when the upstairs bar is available, simply ask the host if there is any room and head on up. The tavern offers the full spectrum of cocktails and beers, including a favorite of mine: the old fashioned.
Although there is a Sunday brunch at the tavern, it is most known for its dinner, which is served in both a downstairs and upstairs dining room. White Horse Tavern offers a full raw bar and local Rhode Island clam chowder (not to be confused with the more creamy New England chowder). Perhaps the most popular dish served at the tavern is the beef wellington (which is fantastic), but I also really love the savory crispy duck breast. One of the secrets to White Horse Tavern’s delicious food is that they locally source much of the ingredients from Rhode Island and surrounding New England states.
If you are looking for an enjoyable and historic dining experience or simply a respite from Newport’s busy streets, White Horse Tavern is the place to be!
Book Recommendation: Taverns of the American Revolution by Adrian Covert