501 Madison St

Nichols Tavern, also known as the Western Hotel, is a historic building in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was built in 1815 by Joseph Nichols and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The tavern was a popular stop for travelers on the Old Ferry Road, which connected Lynchburg to the Shenandoah Valley. The tavern was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. 5,441 Sq Feet – 17 Rooms – 3 Full Baths – 3 Half Baths – Garden Area The tavern was built in the Federal style, which was popular in the early 1800s. The Federal style is characterized by its simple lines and symmetrical design. The tavern has a hipped roof, which is a type of roof that slopes down to all four sides of the building. The tavern has a central chimney, which is a chimney that is located in the center of the building. The interior of the tavern is divided into two rooms, the public room, and the private dining room. The public room is where travelers would gather to eat, drink, and socialize. The private dining room was reserved for special occasions. The tavern is said to have been a favorite haunt of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is said to have stayed at the tavern on several occasions, including when he was traveling between his home at Monticello and his retreat at Poplar Forest. The tavern was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means that the tavern is recognized as being historically significant.