The stone portion of the Talbott Tavern dates from before 1790 and was probably built to serve as Salem Academy. About 1800, the first owner of record, Wm. Rose Hynes, began adding brick wings to the stone section, and with the first license about 1805 he started tavern operations. Known as the Hynes House, it served as a stagecoach stop on the Louisville-Nashville Turnpike through the 19th century. About 1840, another brick wing was added on the west side, and in 1905 George Talbott enclosed the resulting lobby area. During his tenure, the Hynes House became the Talbott Tavern, which has operated continuously for 200 years, offering food, drink, and lodging to travelers and guests from around the world, both famous and commoner.