City Tavern, 3206-3208 M Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

Significance: City Tavern was center for a large and important cross-section of early capital and national history. Its first proprietor was Clement Sewell who was innkeeper until 1799. Charles Mclaughlin followed until 1801, then Joseph Sermes until 1805. Sermes operated under the sign of the Indian King and established it a a stop on stage routes to and from the Federal City. The tavern has close associations with Jefferson and Adams. Jefferson's letters reveal that he held the place in high regard and that he recommended it to important visitors. Plans were laid here for greeting John Adams in 1800 as he arrived at the District boundary and he was escorted to the White House by Georgetown citizens. Townspeople later entertained him at City Tavern with an official dinner on June 56, 1800. It was President Adams in 1804, who commended its central location to the artist,Charles Wilson Peale.
Survey number: HABS DC-81
Building/structure dates: 1796 Initial Construction