The Merchants and Droves Tavern was constructed in 1795 as a two-story residence with a portion of the first floor occupied by a general store. In 1798 John Anderson purchased the building and soon after began to operate a tavern and hotel in the building. The building was located along one of the main routes between Philadelphia and New York and soon became a regular stagecoach stop for travelers. During the early nineteenth century the building was expanded to its current configuration. Around 1825 David Craig purchased the building from his father-in-law, John Anderson. The building stayed in the Craig/Anderson family until 1971, when the Rahway Historical Society purchased the building. The Historical Society changed its name in 2001 to the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum to reflect its commitment to the building’s preservation and interpretation.

The 2022 Trust grant will help fund the fourth and final phase of exterior restoration.

The 2019 Trust grant helped fund the continued exterior restoration of the building, focusing on the south and west elevations including the entire exterior of the kitchen wing. The 2000 Trust grant helped fund the creation of a historic landscape report and rehabilitation master plan for the site, which includes the former tavern yard and a small tavern that was moved to the site. A 1997 Trust grant helped fund structural stabilization and restoration, electrical work and barrier-free access. 

For more information, visit: www.merchantsanddrovers.org