Existing comment:
George Washington House (circa 1752): [Historic Marker]
The George Washington House, often referred to as the Indian Queen Tavern, was built by tavern keeper Jacob Wirt. Prior to the Revolution, when Bladensburg was a thriving port town, this building was rented out to Cunningham and Company, a Scottish mercantile firm, which traded in tobacco. The building later served as a tavern and stagecoach stop for weary travellers during their journeys along the Old Post Road, a major route linking the north and south.
From 1774 to 1783, it was run by innkeeper-turned-lawyer and balloonist Peter Carnes. In 1784, Carnes made the first authenticated unmanned and manned balloon ascents in America.
In 1792, this building was sold to further the legal education of William Wirt, Jacob's youngest son. William, born here in 1772, later became a prominent lawyer, author, and noted United States Attorney General (1817 to 1829) and a candidate for President in 1832.
In 1894, populist reformer Jacob Coxey and his army of unemployed protestors camped here during their march on Washington, D.C. seeking federal aid. |