Col. Murphy's Hotel

 hotel, historical building

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Built c. 1798 and used as a dormitory of Marshall College, the "Old Mansion House" was acquired by Col. Murphy in 1845 who managed it as a prominent hotel until 1864. It was rumored to be a station on the underground railroad.
Soon to be President James Buchanan nonetheless stopped here in 1856 to address a political gathering. Political foes persuaded some young boys in the crowd to taunt Buchanan about his position on slavery. Other citizens offended at this behavior urged Buchanan to take some action against the youths but he dismissed the matter as the trifle it was.
On July 3, 1863, two Federal troopers of Milroy's command were in the hotel when three scouts of the Confederate 12th Va. Cavalry entered the square. Shooting from behind trees near the hotel's kitchen on West Seminary Street, the Federals killed Pvt. J.W. Albans instantly. One Confederate fled and the other was captured.

www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=8041