Page 3 - Taverns Stands in Woodstock - for Flipbook_Neat

Richardson’s Tavern – Pratt’s Inn (1787-1822)

In 1783, Hoisington’s successors conveyed about 180 acres of the 400 to Israel Richardson for 260 Pounds.
Israel Richardson was a captain in the Revolutionary War who came with his family to Woodstock in 1781. By
1786, Woodstock successfully petitioned the Vermont Legislature to become the shire town for Windsor
County. Richardson had been instrumental petitioning the State for this designation and he undoubtedly saw a
business opportunity by providing accommodation for judges, lawyers, and others doing business at the county
court. This designation of a shire town is significant in this case because it is where a court of superior jurisdic-
tion (such as a circuit court or a court with a jury) sits and where many travelers would be looking to stay.

In 1787, Israel Richardson erected a tavern on the north side of the Green which is now designated the Rich-
ardson House. Israel Richardson supposedly built this for his son, Jason, as a public house. It would later be
referred to as the upper tavern or red tavern because it had been painted red. The building was sold to Charles
Marsh and Jesse Williams in 1796 and later to Moses Barnet and Elmer Darbe. The central part of this ram-
bling, Federal frame house was used for this purpose as well as for the accommodation of the court which held
its first session here in May 1788. It was used continuously used as a tavern for many years until about 1822, at
one point being kept by Zaccheus Ellis. After 1822, it was converted into a private residence. The current ad-
dress is 9 The Green.

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