Friends of Sherman Tavern

Located in Grant County, Kentucky is the historic Sherman Tavern. It is over 180 years old. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as an important example of an early nineteenth century inn located on a major thoroughfare (Old Lexington Pike) that linked central Kentucky with Cincinnati and the Ohio River. It is the last such tavern within Grant County. The tavern sits on approximately two acres that are part of the 78 acres of land recently purchased by the Grant County Board of Education for the purpose of building new schools. The Cason Family cemetery is located behind the Tavern. According to Bill McIntyre, Field Surveyor for the Kentucky Heritage Council; "The building as it currently stands appears to be structurally sound overall and a very good candidate for restoration. The usually intact condition of this building and the very few later alterations presents an exciting opportunity for both documentation and restoration. The site surrounding the house and the fields beyond do not appear to be disturbed, so the potential is high for the site to have an important archeological component." The building contains the original woodwork, hardware, windows, sashes and even most of the shutters. There are also several late nineteenth and early twentieth century out-buildings on the premises, as well as a variety of old and stately hardwood trees of heights exceeding one hundred feet. Representatives of the Historical Society have addressed the School Board several times regarding the plans for the Tavern and its environs. In a letter dated January 15, the Board responded,  "We understand and respect the historical significance of the Sherman site. Our current construction plans leave the tavern as well as the cemetery and some outbuilding undisturbed. However due to safety and liability concerns the tavern structure cannot be left standing in its current state indefinitely."

The Grant County Historical Society, along with the Kentucky Heritage Council, supports the preservation and restoration of the Historic Sherman Tavern and the approximately two acres surrounding it. If you agree that this site should be preserved not only for the residents of Grant County, but for all who are devoted to preserving history, please come join The Friends of Sherman Tavern. For more information, write to Barbara Brown, c/o the Grant County Historical Society, P.O. Box 33, Mason, Kentucky or email Barbara at BB15chips@aol.com.

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