Walkerton Tavern was built in 1825 by John Walker (1752-1826), a Revolutionary War veteran, and it served as a tavern for travelers along Mountain Road from 1828-1829.  Mountain Road was an important route between Richmond and western Virginia. The tavern had 10 rooms, a wine cellar, three ice houses, and a 20-horse stable for its guests.  It may have also served as a field hospital for wounded Union troops after the Battle of Yellow Tavern in 1864.  It is the only surviving 19th-century brick tavern in Henrico County. The bricks were handmade in England, and it was called Brick Tavern before it was called Walkerton Tavern (Source). It wasn’t a tavern for very long though.  Over the years it has served as a store, a post office, a place to vote, and most of the time, as a private residence (someone’s home).  Henrico County purchased it in 1995, and now it can be rented for weddings, receptions, and other events. (Trouble viewing the YouTube video? Try Vimeo or direct link).

Did you know that John Walker didn’t actually live in Walkerton Tavern? He built his own house across the street around the time that he built the tavern (1825). His house was made of the same handmade bricks from England. Unfortunately, it burned down, and a new house (pictured) was built on its foundations. It was owned by Edgar Sheppard of the well-known Sheppard family at Meadow Farm. He worked for John Cussons (who built the nearby Forest Lodge) in his printing business. His house is still standing, and it’s called the Bowles House, after a later owner (Source). Can you find it in the map below? (HINT: look for Bowles Lane).


This is a Google map of Walkerton Tavern. Use the +/- button to zoom in or out.



This is a 360 view of Walkerton Tavern. Click the arrows to go inside!


HC.1 The student will demonstrate responsible citizenship and develop skills for historical and geographical analysis.

HC.2a The student will examine the influence of physical and cultural geography on Henrico County.

HC.2b The student will analyze, interpret, and demonstrate knowledge of significant historical events and ideas in Henrico County history.

HC.2c The student will demonstrate an understanding of the growth of Henrico County’s economy from 1611 to present day.