Colchester Inn, 10712 Old Colchester Road, Lorton, Fairfax County, Virginia

Significance: At the end of the eighteenth century this tavern elicited the warmest praise form the Englishman, John Davis who was a visitor in the household of the Ellicott family in Occoquan. Davis wrote as an habitue who frequently enjoyed the food and drink dispensed therein: On the side of this bridge stands a tavern, where every luxury that money can purchase is to be obtained at the first summons: where the richest viands cover the table and where ice cools the Madiera that has been thrice across the ocean. The apartments are numerous and at the same time spacious; carpets of delicate texture cover the floors, and glasses are suspended from the walls in which a Goliath might survey himself. No man can be more complaisant than the landlord. Enter but his house with money in your pocket and his features will soften into the blandishments of delight; call and your mandate is obeyed; extend your leg and the bootjack is brought you.
Survey number: HABS VA-413
Building/structure dates: ca. 1753 Initial Construction