The location of the stone structure was intended to be a safe haven for settlers passing through the area as well as the site of a French fort and trading post.

The tavern was referenced in the personal journals of many travelers that passed through the area on the way to what they called "Old Shawnese Cabins" which is Shawnee State Park (Pennsylvania) today.

The land and the building were purchased by Jean (John) Bonnet in 1779 and opened as an inn and tavern, which was used as a gathering place by protesting local farmers during the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion.

Protesting the federal tax on whisky, local Pennsylvanian farmers gathered to raise a Liberty pole at the tavern as a symbol of their defiance.

Local folklore of guests and employees of the Inn reference seeing a lone figure roaming the building and drinking at the tavern bar.