Welcome to Hook’s Tavern, a historical gem that once stood proudly along the Northwestern Turnpike, now known as U.S. Route 50, in Hampshire County, West Virginia. This iconic tavern, established between 1790 and 1809, was situated near the eastern base of Bear Garden Mountain in the Mill Branch valley. The land originally belonged to Peter Mauzy, an early settler of Hampshire County.
In 1840, the property was acquired by the Hook family, who transformed the building into a bustling tavern. By 1848, Samuel Hook and John B. Sherrard had secured a hotel license, marking the tavern’s evolution into a fully operational hotel. It became a vital stop for travelers navigating the growing turnpike, offering rest and hospitality in its ten rooms and two bathrooms.
Hook’s Tavern played a notable role during the American Civil War. In February 1862, J. A. Hunter of the Confederate States Army commandeered the tavern to shelter and care for 80 sick soldiers under his charge amidst severe weather. This act highlights the tavern’s integral role in the community, providing refuge and aid in times of need.
The tavern’s architecture was distinctive, featuring clapboard-covered walls and a two-story porch facing the turnpike. Inside, a large fireplace with cranes for cooking pots harkened back to its origins. The building’s three varying floor levels evidenced its expansion over time, accommodating the increased demands of travelers.
Over the years, Hook’s Tavern underwent various transformations, even serving as a junk store under new ownership after the Hook family’s long tenure ended in 1987. Despite these changes, the tavern remained a testament to the rich history of the region until it was tragically lost to a fire in 2022.
Today, although the tavern no longer stands, its story continues to echo the vibrant history of Hampshire County and the significant role such establishments played in America’s past.
