Historical Marker

Offutt-Cole Tavern

Site first owned by Hancock Taylor, early surveyor. Features of log section date it to 1780s-1790s. Major John Lee lived here, then leased to Horatio Offutt, who built brick section, 1802, for use as tavern. He rented building to John Kennedy and William Dailey, who opened famous stagecoach inn, 1804. Tavern operated by Richard Cole, Jr., 1812-1839.

Reverse

Offutt-Cole Tavern - Richard Cole, Jr.'s son, James, was father of Zerelda (Cole) James, mother of notorious Jesse and Frank James. Tavern later known as "Black Horse Tavern." It was operated as a tollgate house, 1848-80. Owned by Lexington, Versailles and Midway Road Co.; acquired by McCabe family in 1916 which deeded property to Woodford Co. Historical Society, 1979, for restoration.