Submitted by Leona Baker, Historical Society of Salisbury Township

In our nation's early days, travel was by horse power, the four-legged kind. Highways were dirt, often deeply trenched in mud. Trips were measured in days, not hours. Horsemen, riding 30 to 40 miles per day, could make the 60- to 70-mile journey between Philadelphia and Lancaster in about two days. A loaded wagon drawn by oxen typically averaged 15 to 20 miles per day. Considerations for terrain and rest breaks necessary for such a trip could add days to that journey.

There was a need for rest stops every 5 miles or so along the routes. In what is now Salisbury Township, one such rest stop located on Old Philadelphia Pike was the famed White Horse in the village of White Horse.

History of that property begins with James Clemson, who, in 1716, received from William Penn's agents 600 acres plus 36 acres for roads. Acreage varied from owner to owner over the next 300 years. The first mention of any building on the property is a 1750 deed transferring ownership to John and Sarah Clemson, who operated an inn.

Joan Lorenz, in her book "The History of Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania," records that the first mention of White Horse Tavern appears in the tax records of 1759. Legend says the inn was built in 1740.

Deeds indicate the tavern remained in the Clemson family at least until 1799. The accompanying acreage had, by then, been reduced to 122 acres. For the next 200 years, ownership changed frequently, but whether within the family (sons-in-law) or otherwise is not distinguishable from the deeds.

Usually inns or taverns included eating and lodging accommodations. Mention of a two-story inn first appears in a 1847 deed. The stone building had one large room downstairs. A fireplace stood on the southwest corner, the ubiquitous bar at the east end of the room. A keystone-arched fireplace was in the basement. The stone kitchen in the back of the main building may have been erected by John and Sarah Clemson.

As a working-man's tavern, drovers, wagoners and passing settlers were the clientele. Upstairs was one great room meant for rough and frugal men. Beds would have been cots, lined up as many as were needed to accommodate the need. A guest would have been given a blanket and perhaps a pillow. Accommodations for any female guest who ventured in would have been given a back room downstairs.

For 100 more years, the building continued to change hands, always known as the White Horse. Currently, the land has been reduced to two acres (130 perches). Its symbol, a white steed surrounded by a black circle, was proudly painted on the west wall. In 1986, the White Horse, now known as the White Horse Inn, began serving a loyal public under the new ownership of Edwin and Evelyn McQueen. Locals met at the inn for dinner or just a beer at least once a week. Ed's family, which included the staff, and their friends, relaxed after hours in the screened-in porch behind the building.

Forty years later, the White Horse Tavern/Hotel/Inn, once the center of activity in the village of White Horse, became a private residence. The charm of the exterior has been retained.

Now the property is for sale again. Everyone, especially members of the historical society, hope that the new owners will cherish this old building as an important addition to the ongoing life of the township.