Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-27
BOYD'S OLD TAVERN.
An Historic spot. and Once II Noted
PIaccs-Lnfayette's visit.


In drifting through the country one
could scarcely strike upon a more inte-
resting spot amid the old-hcld pines and
scrub oaks Of Albemarle than the once
famous old BOyds Tavern, Of a century
ago. Seated on the Three-N0tched road,
the first highway opened from Richmond
TO Charlottesville and not far from the
intersection Of the county lines OF tlu-
wanna and Albemarle. stands the Few
buildings that now mark the spot where
once iiOurishcd quite "a village. WnIch mas
already been embalmed in history.
From the site where once stood the Oii
tavern. which had often sheltered presi-
dents generals. statesmen and many
noted foreign travellers, there IS spread be-
fore the visitor one OF the grandcst views
of the many for which this fair region u
noted. Being nearly upon level with
Monticello. eight miles distant, like tnat
grand eminence il commands an un0D-
stIucted view of the entire southwest
mountain range, stretchins from carter 8
Mountain. ON the extreme LETT, 10 Peter $
Mountain. on the rlght-a distance OF
nearly twenty milcs-while Immediately
in front is obtained "a glimpse OF Gear
lOttcsVille and the University. through The
Sap whore the Rlvanna winds. 49,.
Some time previous 10 the year 100, Il
man named Boyd erected a large framed
building upon this elevated spot amid
the original forest. and opened 10 as Il
tavern. Tor IN those carly days Oh staging
taVcrn-kceping was quite piohlan i'
business and many large landed piopIl-
tors would engage IN H. Inls man boypf
for WaCm the place was named. was the
son-in-law OF a celebrated and wealthy
Methodist preacher Rev. !. j.. Magrudef,
who was the father or the late Nolonei
Is. II. Magrudcr. who represented INC
county in the Legislature FOR 80 many
years. This Rev. Mr. Magruder owned
several thousand acres stretching from
the tavern southeast FOR many miles along
the Rivanna river. Boyd kcpt the tavern
for several years, ana Delns snteWu anu
very popular man. he made quite for-
tune. After his death the tavern was
continued by his widow, even WIN more
success than be had done. she ~ was VINO
entertained Lafayette. when on his last
visit 10 Albemarle and she IS also mem
TONED By an English mis- slonary nam IL
HOlgson. who In 1873 travelled through
the United States. stating. we stopped
AZ Mrs. BOyds. eight miles distant from
Monticello, where We spent sunday
As soon as the tavern was established,
there spraug up around IL number OF
buildings-a store. Wheelwrght- and
smith hops. with several dwell.ngs-thus
forming quite a settlement. This became
the great place for 'musters elections.
and principal public gatherings by the
surrounding farmers and POLITICIANS VINO
would always be on hand az the stage ar
rivals 10 shake hands and look at some
distinguished parsonage. Boyds was a
great stand. too. for the many shows
which traversed the country In wagons.
The first one that the writer can rcmcm-
ber was in lSf7. at this place. II was a
small affair. compared TO the big ones OK
to-day. but immensely big TO the plain
country people OF that time, who would
lock 10 them from % great distance. y
few cages OF monkeys and birds. with one
lion and a bear. and a few ponies ridden
by boys and monkeys In the ring. summed
no the stock Of the show. the whole per-
Torrance closing by minstrel show.
seated on top Of the lions cagei IL was
with this show tiat the celebrated Jim
Robinson. then a little boy OF ABOUT I'D
years. began his career as the great cham
little ponies in the ring, and
did tumbling acts with mis- father,
During the performance In question there
came uD a terrific Thunderstorm. with
a downuour Of rain which drenchcd the
audience. started the bear and the lion
10 roaring. the monkeys 20 chattering. ana
causing general alarm and confusion; but
the crowd came TO see the show. and they
stuck II out and waited 10 see II through.
When the little Jim came out and acted
ne ring was 50 wet and muddy that the
little fellow Tell several times. Tor when
he received such a thrashing that his
Wells could be heard over the whole place.
After Mrs. Boyd he tavern was run by
the late George G. Omohundro who made
a famous mime host both here and at
forwards az Charlottesville. When the
stage line was changed 10 connect at
Gordonsyiile with the Virginia Central
railroad. the tavern was discontinued,