| Summary: | Pope’s Tavern Museum has been the site of a stagecoach stop, an inn, and a tavern, besides serving as a private residence. The city of Florence acquired the building in 1965, and it has been used as a museum since that time. The museum’s site has had numerous owners, and more than one structure. The first of these buildings is thought to have been erected by Christopher Cheatham, who built an inn and stagecoach stop at the request of Huntsville founder LeRoy Pope. There is no evidence that this building was ever called Pope’s Tavern before the city gave the museum its name.
Today the museum holds artifacts associated with the history of Florence. Pope’s Tavern served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. The museum has a collection of Civil War artifacts on the second floor, including weapons, ammunition, flags and uniforms. The museum also includes antique furniture, dishes, arrowheads, and paintings. A section is devoted to telling the story of Forks of Cypress, the home of Florence co-founder James Jackson. Forks of Cypress burned in 1966, only leaving the columns standing as a reminder of the stately mansion. An antique wagon made by the Florence Wagon Works is displayed behind the museum.
Pope’s Tavern is owned and operated by the city of Florence. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday. Florence’s Frontier Days Celebration is held at Pope’s Tavern during the first full week in June each year.
|
|---|
