Around 1795, a Revolutionary War veteran built a tavern and inn on this site, prospering from its location on the main post road to points south and from the popular mineral water springs. The building expanded over time to three stories with stables and outbuildings. It became the center of commercial, industrial, and cultural life and helped make the town a popular Mid-Atlantic spa. National political leaders, politicians, the infamous Boss Tweed, salesmen, vacationers, entertainers, and others stayed at the hotel. A water bottling company beside the spring house brought additional prosperity. A fire in 1914 destroyed the hotel, but a kit house was delivered by train. This new hotel, also the owners' home, hosted guests until the Great Depression. Brick veneer was added in the 1960s.