Wilson, Levi, Tavern
Also known as: Miller, John, Tavern
Why it's listed
Built c. 1816 as a two-and-a-half story, five-bay brick house facing U.S. Route 40 about one-and-a-half miles east of the S Bridge in Buffalo Township, Washington County, the Levi Wilson Tavern served travelers on the National Road. Its facade is laid in Flemish bond, and the interior retains Federal-style details including an arched transom, a six-panel front door, and fireplace surrounds with fluted pilasters and sunburst panels in the former dining kitchen. Tax records show Levi Wilson operating an inn here by 1816-17, and John Miller was taxed as an innkeeper from 1836 to 1852, the golden age of the road. The building is one of four documented survivors among about thirty eligible National Road taverns in the township. Its masonry construction, large size, kitchen ell, and largely intact floor plan make it identifiable as a tavern. Alterations include a rebuilt east gable wall and modern kitchens, but the building retains good overall integrity.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the tavern is significant for its association with the National Road and its commercial role as an inn during the road's golden era. It is also significant architecturally as a good example of the vernacular Federal style, retaining much of its interior woodwork and floor plan. The building is one of four documented to survive in Buffalo Township from a group of about thirty eligible National Road taverns.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 96001210, listed April 15, 1996. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | US 40, 1.5 mi. E of S Bridge, Buffalo Twp. |
|---|---|
| County | Washington County |
| Listed | April 15, 1996 |
| Reference number | 96001210 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | c. 1816 - c. 1853 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.15015, -80.32870 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 96001210.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q15242284
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.