A Perfect Weekend Step Back in Time
As the nation approaches America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, there’s no better time to explore the places that helped shape early American life. Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River, Dandridge, Tennessee, the second-oldest town in the state, offers a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of frontier travelers, presidents, and pioneers. One of the best ways to experience that history? Visit the four early taverns of Dandridge, all still standing more than 200 years later.
Taverns: The Heart of Early American Travel
In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, taverns, often called “ordinaries,” were far more than watering holes. They served as inns, meeting places, post offices, and hubs of political and social life. For travelers navigating the rugged Appalachian frontier by horseback or stagecoach, these taverns were essential waypoints.
Dandridge sat along a major stagecoach route stretching nearly 150 miles between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia, making it a natural stop for weary travelers. Its strategic location, combined with river access and growing political importance, helped establish the town as a center of commerce and hospitality in early East Tennessee.
A County Seat with National Ties
Founded in 1783 and named for Martha Washington’s maiden name, Dandridge became the county seat of newly formed Jefferson County in 1792. As the county seat, it attracted legislators, lawyers, merchants, and settlers, many of whom stayed in the town’s taverns while conducting business.
Notably, three U.S. Presidents, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson, are documented as having stayed overnight in Dandridge taverns, highlighting the town’s role in the political and cultural life of the early republic.
The Four Early Taverns of Dandridge
All four historic taverns remain standing today, making Dandridge one of the few towns in Tennessee where visitors can experience such a concentrated collection of preserved early hospitality sites, all within walking distance.
Roper Tavern – 217 W. Main Street (c. 1817)
Built by John Roper, a War of 1812 veteran and prominent merchant, this five-bay Federal-style building reflects the prosperity of early Dandridge. Roper later became president of the Bank of Dandridge, Jefferson County’s first bank. Today, the building continues to serve the community as a professional office.
Just across Main Street stands the historic Roper Mansion, built by Colonel Roper in 1820 as a wedding gift for his daughter and son-in-law. This elegant Federal-style residence today operates as The Shoppes at Roper Mansion, a carefully restored building where visitors can browse antiques, art galleries, specialty goods, and local treasures.
Shepard’s Inn – 136 E. Main Street (c. 1820s)
Originally constructed from a two-story log house purchased by Shadrach Inman in 1823, this building became the largest of Dandridge’s early ordinaries. Over the years, known as the Inman House, Mitchell Tavern, and eventually Shepard Inn, it evolved into the elegant Victorian-style inn seen today.
Now operating as a bed and breakfast, Shepard Inn offers visitors the rare opportunity to stay overnight in a true piece of living history. The inn also hosts weekly public luncheons each Thursday from February through December, welcoming both locals and visitors to gather over a shared meal, much like the travelers and townspeople did here when it served as a tavern in the 1800s.
Hickman Tavern – 131 E. Main Street (c. 1820s)
Built by the Fain family and later owned by Francis Hickman, this impressive brick tavern blends Federal and Greek Revival architecture. Inside, visitors will find a wide central hallway and a dramatic curving staircase. Once welcoming stagecoach passengers, the building now houses Dandridge Town Hall, continuing its long tradition as a center of civic life.
Thomas Tavern – 101 E. Meeting Street (c. 1843)
Constructed after Hopewell Presbyterian Church relocated from Dandridge’s original town square, this two-story frame tavern was built by James Mitchell and later sold to James Thomas, for whom the building is named. Like many ordinaries of the era, it offered food, lodging, and rest for travelers moving through Jefferson County along early transportation routes.
The building retains several historic features, including an original sleeping loft in the rear ell, offering insight into how 19th-century travelers were accommodated. Today, the Thomas Tavern enjoys a new chapter: part of the building operates as a short-term rental (Airbnb), giving visitors a rare chance to stay overnight in a former tavern, while the remaining space is home to Meeting Street Boutiques, honoring the past while serving today’s visitors. Together, these uses reflect Dandridge’s long tradition of hospitality, then and now.
Explore Dandridge on Foot
To make the most of your visit, stop by Dandridge Town Hall, located in the former coach house of the historic Hickman Tavern. Inside, visitors can pick up a Dandridge Walking Tour guide and enjoy a self-guided stroll through the Historic District, where dozens of preserved homes, churches, and commercial buildings tell the broader story of Jefferson County’s role in early Tennessee and American history.
Make It a Weekend in Jefferson County
Today, historic downtown Dandridge is ideal for a relaxed weekend getaway. The taverns are just steps from local shops, restaurants, the Dandridge Farmers Market, and the Town Hall area, which hosts live music during the Music on the Town concert series.
Pair your tavern tour with outdoor recreation on Douglas Lake, scenic drives through Jefferson County, or visits to nearby historic sites that tell the broader story of Tennessee’s role in America’s founding and expansion.
Celebrate America’s 250th in One of Tennessee’s Oldest Towns
As the nation prepares to commemorate 250 years of American history, Dandridge and Jefferson County offer an authentic place to reflect on the early days of the United States, when travel was slow, taverns were vital, and small frontier towns helped shape a growing nation.
Whether you’re a heritage traveler, history enthusiast, or weekend explorer, Dandridge invites you to slow down, stroll Main Street, and experience the enduring spirit of early America, right here in Jefferson County, Tennessee.