The Mentzer Tavern was built in 1840 at the north end of the Carrollton Towing Path Bridge that crossed the Wabash River in Carrollton on the Wabash. Erected by Ignatius Mentzer and George Friday, it opened as a cooper shop where barrels were made and was later converted to an inn. Packet or passenger boats served meals and were equipped with sleeping berths, but other canal travelers on line boats or those who had reached their destination needed a hotel or inn, often called a house or tavern. Travelers could stop here, at Pittsburg or Paragon downriver, or in Delphi. Serving meals and providing accommodations for overnight guests became a good business along the entire length of the Wabash and Erie Canal.