America250: A Den of Loyalists at the Black Bass Hotel

After learning about divided loyalties in Bucks County during the Revolutionary War at our last event, we're going to delve even deeper into that topic at this event as we visit what was once a legendary Tory hangout: The Black Bass Hotel.

Dating to 1745, the Black Bass has been known under many names during its history, including Wall's Tavern, the Lumberville Hotel, Temple Bar and the Rising Sun. In one famous story, George Washington himself was denied accommodation at the inn in 1776 because the innkeeper was a Tory. That didn't stop Washington from crossing the Delaware just 14 miles south of here later that year and winning the Battle of Trenton. Though as we learned at our last meetup, he remained concerned about loyalist sympathies in Bucks County.

Even to this day, you'll see plenty of Union Jacks, Great Britain crests (Royal Coats of Arms) and other British decor at the Black Bass. So we'll talk more about this history and more broadly, the loyalist cause in Bucks, beyond the Doan Gang. I might even work in some ghost stories while I'm at it.

Lunch reservation is at 1 p.m. in the Stone Room. We'll get to order off the regular menu. Meet for an optional pre-lunch drink in the bar area at 12:30. The platinum-top bar from Maxim's in Paris is at the main bar at the Black Bass, so it's worth a special trip. I can't take more than 20 for this one as that puts us into special event territory and pricing. Trust me, you don't want that. I will schedule an encore presentation if demand warrants it.

This is a bit out of the way, just above New Hope, but the setting right on the Delaware and the history are worth going out of your way for. They do have hotel rooms if you want to make a weekend out of it.

See you there!