Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern (pronounced /ˈmɪki/), located in Albemarle County, Virginia, is a Virginia Historic Landmark that was established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie, though in Earlysville. The Tavern served as the social center of its community and provided travelers with food, drink and lodging. It remained in operation, in the Michie family, until 1910, when it came to be owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1927, the Tavern was purchased by Josephine Henderson, who had it moved seventeen miles from Earlysville to its present location, close to Monticello.^[2]

Michie Tavern
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	Albemarle County, Virginia
Nearest city	Charlottesville
Coordinates	38°0′31.22″N 78°27′54.55″W
Built	1784
NRHP reference No.	86003913[1]
Added to NRHP	1986

History

In 1746, Major John Henry sold land in northern Albemarle County to John Michie. His son, William Michie, inherited the property from his father and built a house. Many people came to his house looking for food and a place to sleep, so William obtained a license to operate an ordinary in 1784 and operated a tavern, inn, and restaurant.^[3] The property reverted to state ownership in 1910 when Sallie Michie was unable to care for the business. She was the last Michie family member to own the property. Josephine Henderson bought the tavern in 1927, and had it dismantled and moved near Monticello. Part of her interest in the tavern was to have a place to display her large collection of antiques. It was used as an architectural office by Milton Gregg beginning in 1932.^[3] The tavern was acquired by a local family in 1968, and the restaurant was started the following year. The Meadow Run Mill was moved from Augusta County and reconstructed on the property in 1976. The tavern continues to be operated by the same family that acquired it in 1968.^[4]

Overview

Michie Tavern is now a collection of historic buildings that includes a pub and restaurant. It has the largest grouping of reassembled buildings in Albemarle County.^[3] Now located near Monticello, it has retained the atmosphere of an 18th-century inn, pub, and a set of stores: The General Store and the Tavern Shop.^[5]

Gallery

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  Michie Tavern
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  Michie Tavern
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  1784 Pub
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  General Store
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  Michie Tavern

See also

• Buck Mountain
• Monticello
• Highland (formerly Ash Lawn-Highland)
• University of Virginia