Originally built in 1745 as a place of friendly refuge for tired travelers, the tavern (then called Wall’s Saw Mill or Wall’s Landing) offered food, drink and shelter to colonists braving the hostile countryside. Hunters and traders were most of the tavern’s original clientele in the isolated wilderness.

In 1830—nearly a hundred years after it was built—the area still consisted only of the tavern, two stores, a grist mill and a dozen houses. The settlement was finally given a name (Lumberville) and was so small that the tavern doubled as a post office.

The cutting of the Delaware Canal in 1832 brought commerce to the small community. When the docks closed each evening, bargemen headed to the tavern for hot, spiced ale and revelry. On Saturday, January 19, 1833, the building caught fire. Fortunately, the Canal Company’s explosives were removed from the basement amid the blaze, and the framework survived. The following year the tavern was rebuilt and christened the Black Bass, in tribute to the excellent fishing offered by the Delaware River. 

Through the years the Black Bass has offered sanctuary, entertainment and sustenance to thousands of guests. Although it’s difficult to discern which elements of the building’s history are true and which are legend, the Black Bass’ rich tradition of fine dining and warm hospitality are a certainty.  

The Black Bass Hotel’s historic collection includes art, photographs, tableware and more from the beginning of its era. Glass cases display hundreds of artifacts from the British Royal Family, dating from Queen Victoria to the present.  Furnishings come from all over the world and many time periods, including President Grover Cleveland’s “favorite” bed and a unique pewter bar that once graced Maxim’s in Paris.