Smith's Tavern

Smith's Tavern is a historical tavern located in Armonk, New York, that dates back to the time of the Revolutionary War. During the war, the tavern served as headquarters for local militias fighting the British. The first known owner of the tavern was Benjamin Hopkins. In 1779 he sheltered refugees from British occupied New York City.

In 1797, the house was sold to John Smith. Smith made the tavern the center of community life in the town of North Castle. During the annual town meeting in 1798, Smith was elected town clerk. Smith would be reelected for the next thirty two years serving until 1830. Town clerk was considered the most important position in local government.

Besides being the center of community life in the area, the tavern became the official town post office in North Castle. The tavern was also the only polling place in town until the 1840s.

When John Smith passed away the tavern was passed down to his son Samuel Smith. Samuel continued the legacy by hosting town meeting until at least 1846. However, in 1847 when the New York and Harlem Railroad was mainly completed, the Danbury stage line shut down. As a result, Samuel closed the tavern shortly afterwards.

Samuel Smith died in 1884 and the property was sold. At one point the house was unsuccessfully turned into a country inn. Since 1977 the tavern has become the headquarters and house museum of The North Castle Historical Society.

1. Williams, Gray. Jackson, Kenneth T.. Picturing Our Past National Register Sites in Westchester County. New York. 2003.
2. Vitelli, Andrew. The Smith Tavern, The Inside Press. October 21st 2016. Accessed May 27th 2020.
3. https://www.theinsidepress.com/tag/the-smith-tavern/"Sunday Outing In Armonk History and Doughnuts." The New York Times May 5th 1989. , 1 sec.57.