A Brief History of the James Buchanan
Hotel, Pub & Restaurant
In 1796, James Buchanan Sr. purchased a large lot in Mercersburg, and built a two-story brick house to serve both as a home and place of business. The Senior Buchanan moved his family into this location in 1797. After an early childhood life at "Stony Batter," life in Mercersburg proved much more genteel and orderly. The community had only several dozen houses and was entirely Scottish.
Buchanan's father opened a store, in what is now the Pub, and introduced young James to the problem of keeping things accounted for and in their proper places. By the time James was 10 years of age, his father was one of Mercersburg’s leading businessmen. When Buchanan was sixteen he left Mercersburg to attend Dickinson College.
In May of 2007, Deniz and John Celestin, former New Orleans residents, purchased the James Buchanan Hotel, Pub, & Restaurant from Catalin and Judy Bonciu and brought an exciting menu of delicious items to the restaurant. Andrew Thornton, culinary wizard from New Orleans, is their head chef.
The Hotel is open to serve overnight guests and the Pub is open six days weekly to accommodate our guests.
