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Construction of the 1.1 mile Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920s and was completed in 1930. It was built to provide direct access from Zion to Bryce and Grand Canyon National Parks. The first photo is undated.

Originally built as a residence in 1672 in Newport RI,  the building was converted to the White Horse Tavern in 1673, making it the oldest tavern in the U.S.. British troops were quartered there during the Revolution, and the Rhode Island Legislature often met there. The first photo is undated and the third is dated … Continue reading »

The Talbott Tavern was built in 1779 in Bardstown KY. Located on a stage coach road, it was a popular stop for the likes of Andrew Jackson, Lincoln, Henry Clay, Stephen Foster, and Jesse James. The first photo is from the 1940s and the third from the 1930s.

The Palace Saloon is located in Prescott AZ. It was built in 1877 and rebuilt in 1901 after a disastrous fire. At one time it was one of forty saloons side by side that comprised the famous Whiskey Row.  It is the oldest bar and oldest business in Arizona. Long considered one of the finest … Continue reading »

The Union Oyster House is located in Boston. It is considered the oldest, continuously operating restaurant in the U.S. and the site of the first use of a toothpick. Daniel Webster was a daily visitor, always consuming brandy and water and six plates of oysters.  Other frequent visitors were JFK, Robert Redford, and Liza Minnelli … Continue reading »

Hay House is located in Council Grove Kansas. It was built in 1857 by Seth Hays–the great grandson of Daniel Boone. It is the oldest continuously operated restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The Santa Fe Trail runs right by the front door.  The first photo is dated 1860 (click to enlarge). The flat roof … Continue reading »

Hanover Tavern is located in Hanover Courthouse Virginia. It was built in 1791, making it one of the oldest taverns in the country. It was almost torn down in 1953 when it was bought by some New York City actors who made it into the now oldest dinner theater in the US. The first photo … Continue reading »

The Buckhorn Exchange is located in Denver CO. It was built in 1886 and has 500 taxidermy animals on display. It was occupied as a grocery store during Prohibition, after which a liquor license was immediately obtained. It still holds Colorado liquor license #1! The first photo is dated 1920s.      

McSorley’s  opened in 1854, making it the oldest continuously operated saloon in New York City. However, records show it was a vacant lot that year. What is certain is the fact that it was for men only until 1970. Several famous patrons included  Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Houdini, Babe Ruth, and John Lennon. Liquor has never … Continue reading »

The iconic Yosemite Falls are located in Yosemite National Park CA. There are three sections combining for a total drop of 2,425 feet. A ladies’ hiking club is seen in the first photo from the early 1900s.