Nestled against a hillside just across the Maury River from Lexington in Rockbridge County, this visually engaging structure, with its two-level gallery, is a rare surviving example of a building associated with the region’s early transportation system. Tankersley Tavern was built in 1835 as a toll house at the end of the bridge carrying the Valley Turnpike into Lexington. It eventually became a combined canal ticket office, general store, post office, and tavern. The original core was constructed by Col. John Jordan, one of Rockbridge County’s most active builders and entrepreneurs, whose residence, Stono, stands atop a steep hill across the river. In 1886 the property was purchased by the Tankersley family and was run as a colorful tavern for many years, enhanced by the fact that the Tankersleys manufactured and dispensed their own rye whiskey. Tankersley Tavern has since been restored as a private residence.