Skinner Tavern

The story

Written by AI from this property's National Register nomination and the record above; every sentence is checked against its sources before it appears here. Corrections: privacy@treealive.com

The Skinner Tavern is a building at 13361 Upper Strasburg Rd. in Letterkenny Township, Franklin County, built in stages: about 1788 to 1794 in the Georgian style, with a brick addition about 1837 to 1850.

Why it's listed

It was listed in the National Register in 2005 under criteria A and C, with local significance in architecture and commerce. Its period of significance runs from 1788 to 1909, spanning construction about 1788 to 1794 and use as a hotel, inn, general store and post office.

Physical character

Walls are stone and brick over a stone foundation, under a metal gambrel roof, with an interior chimney. Features include common bond brickwork, a stone porch, and a four-inch concrete slab. In 2002 outbuildings and a water-damaged beaded-board ceiling were removed.

Historical context

In 1786 John Skinner won the contract to build the Three Mountain Road; in 1794 George Washington passed through returning from the Whiskey Rebellion. John Stump sold the property to David Geyer in 1837; the nomination names him as builder, and a brick addition about 1837 to 1850 increased accommodations for travelers. It housed the Stenger Post Office and operated as a general store from 1888 to 1909, becoming a private residence in 1909.