The Pennsylvania House was built in 1839 as a tavern and inn along the National Road. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

The Pennsylvania House is a handsome brick tavern and inn that stands today much as it did in when built nearly two centuries ago, with four porches and 23 rooms.

The Pennsylvania House is now a museum open to the public for tours. Built in 1839, the inn was a popular and respected place along the National Road. The 7,000 square foot Federal-style structure was built using tenon and mortise construction.

It originally had 26 rooms and a kitchen separate from the house. Several large barns were built adjacent to the house that sheltered the wagons and livestock of the overnight guests.

The Pennsylvania House is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Today, the barns and outside kitchen are gone but the remaining fine brick structure entertains visitors with its three floors of 19th century furniture, paintings, clocks, portraits, china, glass, dolls and textiles.

The Pennsylvania House has been included on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. After its second major restoration concluded in October 2006, an authentic National Road marker was dedicated during the grand reopening ceremonies and is proudly displayed by the front entrance.

The Pennsylvania House Museum is owned and operated by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The museum is located at 1311 W. Main St. (US 40), Springfield. (Information for this article is from the Pennsylvania House Museum website.)

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

All rights reserved, Dusty Tires (dusty-tires.com), 2023.