The presence of Boyd Tavern, built in the eighteenth century, greatly influenced the selection of Boydton as the Mecklenburg County seat. A major mid-nineteenth century renovation expanded the original tavern into a 35-room structure with fancy porches and ornamentation that showcased the craft of regional builder-architect Jacob W. Holt. A Virginia native, Holt established a local reputation by reshaping the architectural character of the town and the outlying county. The tavern closed in the late 19th century, was converted into apartments in 1922, and was deeded to the Boyd Tavern Foundation and restored in 1988.