It was frequently visited by George Washington between the years 1755 and 1798, when it was owned and operated as an inn and tavern by Colonel John Rodgers (1728–1791).

[5] The Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington Railroad bought the property as the tavern went into a period of neglect and deterioration.

[3] Due to its location on the main thoroughfare and the owners’ stalwart patriotism, it became a favorite stopping place for such Revolutionary figures as Washington, Lafayette, Rochambeau, Jefferson, and Madison.

[3] In 1775, Colonel John Rodger is known for leaving his post operating the ferry and tavern in order to assemble and lead the 5th Company of the Maryland militia, which later became associated with the Flying Corps, an integral part of the early Revolution.

[7] In 1781, just after Rodgers bought the tavern, Washington brought troops through Lower Ferry Crossing where he would later win the battle of Yorktown against Cornwallis.

[8] Following the American Revolution, Rodgers Tavern continued as a well-frequented establishment known for excellent food and entertainment.

[9] However, the Lower Susquehanna Route, in which Rodgers Tavern is located on, became less popular with the introduction of bridges and railroads over the now antiquated ferries and carriages.

[1] In the past decade, the tavern served as a small museum and offices to the town chamber of commerce.

[8] Located in the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Area, Rodgers Tavern has received tremendous support for rehabilitation.

The Rodgers Tavern Readiness Project is facilitated by the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway (LSHG).

The LSHG is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate local economic activity by developing a linkage between our natural, historic and cultural resources.

[12] The scope of the project has been to restore this key historic property to its original uses as a tavern and ferry crossing for educational, recreational and economic development purposes.

[13] In 2010, LSHG requested $150,000 to ultimately complete the third and final phase of the Rodgers Tavern Readiness Project.

It was founded in 1608 after Captain John Smith visited following his adventure as the first European explorer to navigate the Susquehanna River.