Saturday, October 24
11:00AM-5:00PM

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Schwartz Tavern, located at 111 Tavern Street, is the oldest building in Blackstone, Virginia, and serves as the literal foundation for the town's origins. Erected primarily in the late 18th century, this historic landmark directly inspired the original name of the settlement and stands today as a preserved museum. The Origins of "Blacks and Whites"

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In 1790, an early Nottoway County settler named John Andrew Schwartz purchased a plot of land near the critical stagecoach intersection of Cooke's, Hungarytowne, and Old Church Roads—a major transportation route running from Petersburg down into North Carolina. Schwartz was officially granted a license to operate an ordinary or tavern at the site in May 1798.

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His business sat within eyesight of a rival tavern operated by Francis White. Because "Schwartz" translates to "black" in German, travelers began referring to the crossroads stop simply as "Black's and White's". This unique moniker became the official community name, eventually securing a post office under that designation in 1829. The name lasted until 1886, when local citizens chose to rename the community Blackstone in honor of the famous English jurist Sir William Blackstone.

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The tavern is a unique, rambling 99-foot-long structure built out of three distinct segments: 

• The Middle Section: The oldest original portion of the structure, built around 1798.

• The Southern Section: Known historically as the "dwelling house," which dates back to the early 19th century.

• The Northern Section: A ballroom addition used for entertainment and gatherings. 

The "dwelling house" and the primary "tavern house" sections functioned independently for decades until the 1840s, when subsequent owners physically connected the buildings. The interior retains a high degree of its early architectural integrity, characterized by a Federal style design featuring four downstairs mantels and detailed paneling. The exterior still showcases authentic beaded weatherboards and original window sashes.

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Later History and Modern Museum

The building ceased operating as a commercial tavern around 1841. It went on to serve as a private residence for seven different families over the next century. Its final private owner was Gilliam Willson Anderson, who lived in the home until his passing in 1948. 

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In 1977, the Anderson family officially donated the neglected landmark and its large surrounding lot to the town of Blackstone. The community established the Schwartz Tavern Authority to spearhead a rigorous, historically accurate restoration of the property. As part of this effort, a detailed inventory taken at the time of John Schwartz’s death in 1807 was utilized to source appropriate period furnishings.

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The landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, it operates as a historical museum and community event venue. Visitors can tour the tavern alongside the adjacent Robert Thomas Carriage Museum, which houses a collection of period-accurate farm equipment, sleighs, and a historic stagecoach