The Pennsylvania Tavern That Played A Significant Role In The Civil War

Pennsylvania boasts several culinary destinations for foodies, including the claimed hot dog capital of the world and America's largest buffet. The beloved banana split was also born in Pennsylvania. However, when Alexander Dobbin purchased 300 acres of land there in 1774 to build a farm and dubbed the Dobbin House when it was finished in 1776, he likely had no idea it would play a significant a role in the history of the United States. 

What is now the oldest building in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the Dobbin House was unfortunate enough to be located near one of the most famous skirmishes during the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg. As the combat waged on, soldiers from both sides were wounded near the Dobbin House. The building was so close to the hostility that it was sometimes smattered with shellfire, but despite the danger posed to those inside, it became a makeshift field hospital to care for the wounded. Union and Confederate soldiers were treated for life-threatening injuries as the battle concluded, and some contend that the spirits of the soldiers who perished there still roam the halls of the historical icon.

Today, the Dobbin House Tavern serves as a historical landmark and destination for diners who want to experience a taste of the 18th century. It has been restored over the years to maintain its quaint colonial charm and it is furnished with antique adornments that accent the environment where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy a special night out.

Those planning a trip to Dobbin House Tavern in Pennsylvania don't need to make a reservation. In fact, if they plan on dining in the Springhouse Tavern that resides under the Dobbin House, reservations are not allowed. The colonial-style eatery operates on a first-come, first-served basis, serving guests seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails and meaty fare like spit-roasted chicken and smoked BBQ ribs. Multiple beers and wines are available to wash down your cuisine, as are signature cocktails like the Rum Bellies Vengeance and the Don's Derring Do.

Folks who want to dine in the Dobbin House itself have six rooms to choose from, all containing features like oak beams and radiant fireplaces that add to the ambiance. Reservations are accepted for these rooms, but folks just walking in are also welcome if seating is available. The menu served at the Springhouse Tavern is accessible in the Dobbin House rooms, but there are also some extra-special treats in store for folks lucky enough to get a spot in the house.

Seafood lovers may appreciate the drunken scallops served with bacon, herbs, and a house-made sauce. Folks looking for something with more umami notes might wish to order the roasted duck cooked in Adams County apples and hard cider, or the hunter's chicken served with mushrooms, tomatoes, and a rich brown sauce. Given that Pennsylvania's Dobbin House Tavern has a 4-star rating on Yelp out of over 1,200 reviews, there must be something to this historic gem that keeps people coming through the doors.