First licensed in 1733, Hanover Tavern is a witness to three centuries of history. The Tavern is part of the Hanover Courthouse Historic District, listed on the Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places as a rare surviving example of county government building sets once common in Virginia. More than just courthouses and jails, these building sets were the focus of community life.

Replacing the original tavern(s), the present day building was built in 1791 and enlarged in 1822. From its inception, Hanover Tavern has seen numerous turning points in American history. In 1800, four slaves from the Tavern complex participated in Gabriel's Slave Rebellion, the first armed insurrection of enslaved peoples in this country. In 1836, P.T. Barnum and his traveling circus stayed at the Tavern. During the Civil War, the Tavern became a boarding house for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Young servicemen and their sweethearts danced the night away, despite the looming threat of World War II. The Tavern's life changed once again in 1953 when a group of actors from New York bought the frail Tavern and established the Barksdale Theatre, a nationally acclaimed professional theater.

In 1990, Hanover Tavern Foundation acquired the Tavern and the 3.5 acre site from the Barksdale Theatre founders. Their goal was to preserve the building for community use. Now the building has new life after a 15-year restoration and preservation project. Today the building is used as an educational historic site, while also once again offering performances by the Barksdale Theatre and fine dining in Michelle's Restaurant.

Hanover Tavern has been a cornerstone for over two hundred years; a place where people of differing backgrounds and experiences could gather. It has survived because of its unique ability to evolve and serve the needs of its community.