Rose Hotel

The Rose Hotel is a historic site owned by the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located in Elizabethtown, Illinois, on the banks of the Ohio River. The oldest wing of the hotel was built in 1812 by James McFarland. In 1813, he secured a license and files bond to assure legal and proper operation of his establishment. The license also set charges that McFarland might have charged. Breakfast, Dinner, and Supper - 25 centsLodging - 12½ centsOats or Corn per gallon - 12½ centsa half pint of whiskey - 12½ centsSmall beer, one quart - 12½ cents These price points reflect the currency regime of the very early United States; the new country had not yet minted a substantial amount of currency on its own account, and the United States dollar was more of a unit of account than an actual piece of money. The typical unit of money in actual use was the bit, equivalent to one Spanish real or 12½ U.S. cents.In addition to sheltering travelers, early day taverns served as community centers and post office. The guests coming from distant brought news, and the local gentry gathered to hear. Men met to discuss questions of interest; some came for a few social drinks.The earliest portion of the Rose Hotel was built in 1812; an east addition was constructed in 1848; and a rear addition in 1865. A sample room or display room was erected in 1891 at the rear of the hotel with just a passageway between the two buildings. Salesmen or drummers as they were commonly called displayed their wares to buyers who came to town. In 1882, shortly before his death, James Jr. built the summerhouse on the bluff in front of the hotel. The building of the two-story veranda was in 1866. The two-story building was constructed of brick supported on rubble sandstone basement walls and foundation.