Middleton Tavern Through the Years

This building, which is considered to be classic 18th century Georgian architecture, was probably occupied as early as 1740, when it was owned by Elizabeth Bennett. In 1750, she sold the property to Horatio Middleton. Middleton operated a ferry that sailed between Rock Hall (on the Eastern Shore) and Annapolis. At that time, the law required ferry operators to have lodging for travelers. Thus Middleton Tavern became an inn for seafaring men.

Because the Rock Hall to Annapolis ferry cut many miles (and untold hours) off of the overland route from Philadelphia to Virginia, Middleton Tavern was host to a galaxy of our nation's most revered leaders during the period around the American Revolution. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were among its prominent patrons. When Tench Tilghman, the Marylander on General Washington's staff, carried the news of Cornwallis' surrender to the Congress in Philadelphia, he traveled via Middleton's ferry.

Like most colonial taverns, Middleton's was far more than a place to eat and sleep. It was a gathering place and social center of town. It was also somewhat of a showplace, with gardens that stretched from the edge of the water to Prince George Street.

In addition, Middleton Tavern was the site of meetings of the Maryland Jockey Club and Free Masons. It was also the frequent gathering place of the renowned Tuesday Club, a social organization of the City's most enlightened and well-educated gentlemen.

Because the Tuesday Club left such well-documented records of their meetings and members, we have the opportunity to glimpse at what life and social order was like in this community more than 200 years ago.

The building that houses the Middleton Tavern has had many functions throughout the years. During the late 19th century, it was a general store and a meat market. The large black-and-white photographs in the Tidewater Room were taken about this time and give you an idea of what Annapolis looked like around the City Dock. You will note the Market House is also present, along with many of the buildings that have been renovated to make City Dock the delightful shopping and dining area it is today.

The large coffee grinder and cast iron kitchen appliances are vestiges of this era in Middleton's history.

In the early 20th century, the building again became a gathering place as "Tydings' Bar". It was later taken over by the Mandris family of Annapolis and was a restaurant/soda counter/souvenir operation up until the mid- sixties. In 1968, Jerry Hardesty purchased the business and gave it back the proud name it had when Annapolis was the Athens of America. (Attach picture of MT with "confectionary" sign.)

Middleton Tavern today prides itself on giving visitors the same brand of traditional Maryland hospitality and fine cuisine that Samuel himself offered to our Founding Fathers.