North Side of Pulaski Square

The north side of the Pulaski square has been home to hotels, taverns, pool halls, saddlery and harness shops, buggy shops, clothing and dry good stores, the Hagan Bros. Drug Store, & cafes. This block burned two times, in 1872 & 1885. The several blocks northward between here and the intersection of 1st & 2nd Streets was historically a district with harness shops, buggy shops, and livery stables (to leave your horse while in town, or to rent a horse if needed). After the advent of motor vehicles, many of these businesses converted into auto body, auto repair, & mechanic shops.

(see below for additional information)

The eastern corner of this block was the location of Smith's Tavern, one of the earliest businesses on the square. Capt. Thomas (Tubb) Smith's tavern was operational by 1811 or 1812. In 1814, after the Giles County Courthouse burned, the county court met "at the business house of Thomas Smith" - presumably at this tavern.

By 1840 a hotel, the Pulaski Inn, was located at this east corner. By 1850 it was known as the Pulaski Hotel. At this location there were also grocery stores, and the New York Store specializing in clothing for gentlemen & youths.

In June of 1872, a fire destroyed the all seven buildings on the north side of the square.

In March of 1885, a fire again destroyed the entire north side of the square. It also killed three who were renting sleeping rooms at a saloon and boarding house located in the middle of the block. The block was not rebuilt until 1888.

The external staircase on the east side was added to the building in 1897.

The Monopole was a pool hall and soft drink parlor on the Northeast corner of the block. It burned two times, in 1914 and 1918.

This block was home to saddlery and harness shops, buggy shops, clothing and dry good stores, Harwell's Clothing, the Hagan Bros. Drug Store, & cafes.

Giles County Historical Society