For nearly three centuries, the Hanover Tavern has been a part of events that transformed America from an English colony into an independent nation. The owners, guests, and inhabitants of the Tavern have shaped the history of Hanover County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States of America.

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A license for a tavern at the Hanover Courthouse was first issued in 1733, where our history begins. This first Tavern played host to many historical figures; George Washington, Patrick Henry, Marquis de Lafayette, Lord Cornwallis, P.T. Barnum, and even Edgar Allen Poe. 

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The existing Hanover Tavern is the second; the first was a small one-story building, with not much else known. In 1791, the new Tavern was built, with additions in the 1820's, 1830's, and finally, the 1990's. During the Civil War, the Hanover Tavern was utilized by both Union and Confederate troops, as well as a number of refugees. 

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In the 1950's, six actors, two children, a dog, and two pigs moved into the Hanover Tavern and transformed it from ruins into the nation's first dinner theater. The Barksdale Theatre was born, and operated for many years. Through-out this time, the building had many uses - a community center, a theater, a hotel, apartments, and more. 

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In the 1990's, the Hanover Tavern Foundation formed and purchased the Tavern. After extensive renovations, the Tavern re-opened for guests, and it wasn't long until stories began permeating the atmosphere. Tales of the paranormal spread through Tavern staff, guests, and the community.

 

 In 2012, Transcend Paranormal was called in to investigate these claims. Over the years, they have documented some of the most prominent and interesting paranormal phenomena of the building and surrounding buildings. Now, we want you to join us.

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With so much history packed into this building, has every guest that checked into the Hanover Tavern truly checked out?