The Sun Inn

Construction began on this 18th century Moravian architecture in 1758. The first guests were welcomed two years later. It was built by the Moravian community for non-Moravian merchants who had business with the community. The Sun Inn was known throughout the American colonies for its gracious service, fine food and wines, and its comfortable rooms.

This Bethlehem, Pennsylvania inn had many notable guests. During the American Revolutionary War, General George and Martha Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock among others were guests. In 1777, leading fourteen members of the Continental Congress met at the Sun Inn, signed the order of Protection and stayed the night. Many people fleeing Philadelphia after General Washington’s defeat at the Battle of Brandywine stayed at the inn. During the Fries's Rebellion in 1799, seventeen of Fries's followers were held at the inn and then freed by Fries.

Sun Inn began as a 66ft by 40ft two-story stone structure with a mansard roof and alleged underground tunnels (built in case of hostile Indian attacks) in 1758. In 1826, a third story was added with 17 new rooms and enlarged again in 1866. It was restored in the 1970s and 80s and is now a museum and restaurant.

It is possible this historical inn may be haunted. So much so, it even caught the eyes of Ghost Hunters (and will be featured on a future episode). Hughetta Bender founded the Sun Inn Preservation Association in 1972. Some believe she never left. There have been pictures snapped of an elderly figure wearing a white apron. Hughetta was known to wear a white apron often. A nurse named Elizabeth Moore, who died at the inn in 1897, is also believed to haunt the location. There’s even a legend attached to the structure. Supposedly, a man named Brother Albrecht hit treasure and wine in a secret room. Now, his ghost guards the treasure. Not entirely sure if a secret room has ever been found on the property.

Comments

Anthony Rapino said…
Wow! I ctually live like 40 minutes away from Bethlehem, and I even applied to Moravian College back when I was in high school. I may have to check this out.

Popular posts from this blog

Lorelei Inn

Black Aggie

Reminder Sunday