Washington Slept Near

Several asked if the George Washington Southern Tour sign in the post before this one was in my home town. The answer is yes.

According to an article in Chronicals of Pitt County Vol. II, by W. Keats Sparrow, Shadrack Allen’s home was possibly near my home. They think it was located on County Home Road between Helens Crossroads and Coxville.

Colonel Shadrack Allen, Jr. was one of Pitt County’s more prominent citizens. And although the Allen’s grandson referred to his grandparents house as a “mansion,” President Washington described it as “ a very indifferent house without stabling which for the first time since I commenced my journey my horses were obliged to stand without cover.”

The Allen’s home was such a favorite resting place for travelers that it was called Colonel Allen’s Inn. This inn was demolished long ago.