Clover Hill Tavern of Appomattox Court House National Park

            Standing as the oldest building within the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Clover Hill Tavern grabbed my attention as a significant structure in Appomattox history. While the tavern was not used during the formal surrender of Confederate forces during the Civil War, the tavern was used for housing a printing machine in which the parole passes were printed for Confederate soldiers. Along with its significant history within Appomattox, the tavern represents the architecture of the day for 19^th century Piedmont structures. Numerous factors regarding the tavern stood out during the research process and further solidified my choice in using the Clover Hill Tavern for my Historic Structures Project.

Clover Hill Tavern. Photo: Elise Paisant

            When deciding which structure to research, the Clover Hill Tavern caught my attention because of its original construction date of 1819. Though the tavern has seen restoration in order to repair damage and stabilize the building, most of the brick work is the original brick. Along with original brick, other aspects of the tavern are original, further enhancing the authenticity of the structure. The structure also stands as a strong example of 19^th century architecture in the Virginia Piedmont. Many of the taverns’ surrounding structures were constructed in a similar fashion and studying a structure with significant architecture was key during my project.

            In order to begin researching the tavern, a basic understanding of the Appomattox region and architectural styles of the day was required. In order to define which architectural style the tavern resembled, I relied on a document from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources titled, “Classic Commonwealth: Virginia Architecture from the Colonial Era to 1940.” Upon reviewing the document and visiting the tavern, the structure appears to be influenced under the Federal style. [1] Along with collecting information, including a National Register, from Virginia historical websites, I also relied on books related specifically to Appomattox county and the national park in order to gather my research on the structure itself and its history.

            My visit to Clover Hill Tavern proved to be of value while conducting my research. Examining the structure for myself and seeing the original materials within the structure was paramount in allowing me to fully understand my structure and recognize its significance. In particular, seeing personal touches within the structure added to its authenticity. While observing the original materials that remain within the structure, I tried to focus in on how I can use these materials to help identify the era of construction. Utilizing what I had learned from a National Parks Service Brief written on architectural understanding, I found numerous original materials that could help date the tavern. [2] Some of these materials include, original bricks laid in the Flemish bond, originals fireplaces and hearths, and original paint and stenciling.

            Studying and understanding historic structures is crucial in the field of public history. When managing a historic structure such as Mt. Vernon, Monticello, or Clover Hill Tavern, it is important the staff knows beyond just the history associated with the structure. In order to properly date, restore, and present the structure, the materials must be studied and an understanding of the architecture is needed. Participating in this project granted me the opportunity to visit a significant structure and view it from a different angle. Along with understanding its link with a historical event, I am able to view the structure for its architecture and how architecture plays a crucial role in presenting the history.

[1] Virginia Department of Historic Resources. “Classic Commonwealth: Virginia Architecture from the Colonial Era to 1940.” Last modified 2015. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/pdf_files/Classic_Commonwealth_Style_Guide.pdf.

[2] National Parks Service. “35. Understanding Old Buildings: The Process of Architectural Investigation.” Technical Preservation Series. September 1994. Accessed December 5, 2016. https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/35-architectural-investigation.htm#look.