Discover Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century. Gadsby's Tavern Museum was a political, business, and social center in Alexandria and the new federal city of Washington, D.C.
See first-hand how the rapid evolution of hospitality transformed dining, lodging, labor, and entertainment by exploring the c. 1785 tavern, 1792 City Tavern and Hotel, and historic ice well.
John Gadsby propelled the buildings to fame, managing operations with his enslaved staff. Everyone from the Founding Fathers to everyday travelers came to eat, drink, sleep, and influence history.
Discover Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century. Gadsby's Tavern Museum was a political, business, and social center in Alexandria and the new federal city of Washington, D.C.
See first-hand how the rapid evolution of hospitality transformed dining, lodging, labor, and entertainment by exploring the c. 1785 tavern, 1792 City Tavern and Hotel, and historic ice well.
John Gadsby propelled the buildings to fame, managing operations with his enslaved staff. Everyone from the Founding Fathers to everyday travelers came to eat, drink, sleep, and influence history.
The museum has a lot of stairs, but there are places to sit in almost every room.
The museum offers a fun family scavenger hunt - just ask as the front desk. Every child receives a prize at the end.
Fun Facts
George and Tom and Lafayette partied here. George Washington celebrated his birthday in 1798 and 1799, Thomas Jefferson his inauguration in 1801, and Lafayette on his Goodwill Tour in 1824.
Gadsby's in NYC: The original ballroom woodwork is actually at the Met in NYC. They purchased it in 1917 and installed it in the American Wing where you can still see it today.
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Discover Alexandria's five-star hotel of the 18th century. Gadsby's Tavern Museum was a political, business, and social center in Alexandria and the new federal city of Washington, D.C.
See first-hand how the rapid evolution of hospitality transformed dining, lodging, labor, and entertainment by exploring the c. 1785 tavern, 1792 City Tavern and Hotel, and historic ice well.
John Gadsby propelled the buildings to fame, managing operations with his enslaved staff. Everyone from the Founding Fathers to everyday travelers came to eat, drink, sleep, and influence history.
The museum has a lot of stairs, but there are places to sit in almost every room.
The museum offers a fun family scavenger hunt - just ask as the front desk. Every child receives a prize at the end.
Fun Facts
George and Tom and Lafayette partied here. George Washington celebrated his birthday in 1798 and 1799, Thomas Jefferson his inauguration in 1801, and Lafayette on his Goodwill Tour in 1824.
Gadsby's in NYC: The original ballroom woodwork is actually at the Met in NYC. They purchased it in 1917 and installed it in the American Wing where you can still see it today.