Black Bass Hotel

The Black Bass Hotel has a colorful and noteworthy past. In fact, it is so steeped in historical lore that it’s often hard to differentiate reality from myth! When the hotel (originally called the Lumberville Hotel) was built in the 1740s, it served as a haven for river travelers, traders and sportsmen. Many have shared the tale of George Washington knocking on the door of The Bass and being turned away… he being Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and the innkeeper being a Tory who was loyal to the British Crown. Almost every printed article about The Black Bass boasts that “George Washington did not sleep here” — but of course you can! Throughout time, The Bass has had its share of excitement. While building the Delaware Canal, which runs behind the Hotel, the engineers and overseers often stayed. One evening in 1831, a fire broke out and the Tavern burned to the ground. Most were oblivious to the fact that during construction gunpowder was stored in the basement. Major Anthony Fry, the landlord at the time—at great risk to his own life, broke open the cellar doors and removed a huge quantity of the blasting powder. The Major’s bravery averted an inevitable explosion, thus saving The Black Bass from total destruction.