Historical Marker

Merritt Jones/Wayside Tavern

Down this lane was a log tavern and overnight stop on the Old State Road from Cumberland Gap to Lexington by 1830s. The older half of building dates back to ca. 1800. During Civil War, Jones Tavern was held alternately by Confederate and Union forces. In Jan. 1864, Gen. U.S. Grant and staff stayed overnight on their way from east Tennessee to Lexington.

Reverse

Jones Tavern/CSA Cemetery - During the Battle of Richmond, Aug. 29-30, 1862, this building was a Confederate field hospital for men wounded while fighting farther north near Mt. Zion Church. Thirteen who died here, including a boy soldier only fifteen years old, are buried in a small cemetery in the woods above the house.