Welcome to Schwartz Tavern. This historic tavern is the oldest building in Blackstone, and it was the hub of Blackstone's growth in the nineteenth century.John Schwartz was an early settler in Nottoway County. Although Nottoway was only 30 miles from the bustling port city of Peterburg, the county's lack of navigable waterways meant that transportation was limited to overland travel, and much of Nottoway remained unsettled until after the Revolutionary War. In 1790 John Schwartz 
purchased the property near the intersections of Jordan's Road, Cryor's Road, Old Church Road, and Cocke's Road, the stage route from Petersburg to North Carolina.
In May 1798, Schwartz was issued a license to operate an ordinary, or tavern, at this site, about a block east of the tavern owned by Francis White. Because of the similarity of Schwartz's name to the German schwarz or black, the settlement was soon know as Black's and White's. By 1800 the community also included a doctor's office, blacksmith's shop, and icehouse.
Schwartz Tavern was enlarged at least twice after Schwartz's purchase; first a ballroom was added on its north side. Today's southern end of the tavern was also added in the early nineteenth century, and by the 1830's that building was referred to as the "dwelling house" to distinguish it from the "tavern house." In the 1840's the two buildings were connected.
The Schwartz family continued to operate the tavern after John Schwartz's death. By the 1830's the tavern complex included the tavern house, dwelling house, kitchen, quarters, stable, carriage house, blacksmith shop, whellwright's shop, ice house, doctor's office, and over 130 acres. Licenses for an ordinary continued to be granted to tavern owners until 1872. Later used as a private residence, the tavern was the home of Gilliam Anderson until his death in 1948. Throughout the 1960's the tavern was unoccupied. In 1974 the heirs of the Anderson family gave the tavern to the Town of Blackstone to insure its restoration and preservation.
The Schwartz Tavern Authority was formed for that purpose. The tavern is a historic Landmark. It has been restored and furnished with the financial aid and support of many persons. Such work never ceases. Plans are being made to reproduce a kitchen and servants quarters, which were razed in 1982 before restoration began.
Schwartz Tavern Authority is a non-profit organization, which depends on contributions. Gifts are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to Schwartz Tavern Authority, P.O.Box 460, Blackstone, VA 23824
Schwartz Tavern is open daily for informal tours. Groups may schedule guided tours with local historians. Call the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce office (housed in the tavern) for more information at (434) 292-1677 or the Town Manager's office at (434) 292-7251.
