Historic Inn That Once Hosted George Washington Destroyed in Overnight Blaze

A piece of American history was ravaged in an overnight fire Monday near the banks of the Delaware River.

A more than 300-year-old historic inn that once hosted President George Washington was destroyed in an early-morning four-alarm fire.

The Sergeantsville Inn, located in Hunterdon County just miles from where the Delaware River separates New Jersey from Bucks County, sustained significant damage in the blaze, according to NBC News.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

According to NBC’s report, smoke was spotted coming from the two-story stone structure when firefighters arrived. The blaze quickly escalated, encompassing the majority of the structure. It reached four alarms before it was determined under control, local fire officials said.

One part of the building, which served as a well-known fine dining restaurant and bar, may be salvageable, the Hunterdon County Democrat reported.

The inn, located on Rosemont Ringoes Road in Delaware Township, has a rich history.

According to its website, The Sergeantsville Inn was built as a private residence in the early 1700s. Two wings were added in the 1830s and the building became a grain and feed store. A restaurant opened there in the early 1900s.

Over its three-century history, the inn has also been used as a grocery store, ice cream parlor and pelt trading center, the website says.

“Although the building has gone through several owners, the original structure and additions have been preserved,” the website says.

(PHOTO: Fire & EMS Alerts Of Hunterdon County NJ, Facebook)