Boyd Tavern played a significant role in the development of eastern Albemarle County during the late 18th and 19th centuries. Architectural evidence suggests that the current building was constructed between 1825 and 1840 on the site of an earlier tavern. The earlier tavern was built for Thomas Jefferson's brother-in-law, Col. Charles L. Lewis, around 1750. The Tavern was strategically located along Three Chopt Road, the primary road between Richmond and Charlottesville. The Tavern was intended to serve as an additional source of income for Lewis. This practice was relatively common among plantation owners in the area; Jefferson's father and younger brother both owned taverns as a side business. The tavern was first rented to Mr. Watson and known as Watson's Ordinary. It played host to Jefferson, Lafayette, and Daniel Boone while serving as a focal point for the local community, providing a place to meet and be entertained. It was rented in 1802 by Thomas and Mary Boyd and purchased by them in 1812, after which it became known as Boyd Tavern. The Boyd family ran a successful business there for nearly half a century and established a store and the local post office. In the mid-1800s, the property was sold to the Shepherd family, who renamed it Shepherd's Inn. It remained a popular rest-stop between Richmond and Charlottesville, as well as general store, until 1937. The Odend'hal family used the Tavern as a private residence from 1937 to 1968. After that period, the Tavern changed hands several times and eventually fell into disrepair. It was purchased in 1978 by Mr. Robert P. Boyle, who began renovations. Mr. Boyle's heirs sold it to the current owners in 1998. The Tavern is an excellent example of Virginia's early vernacular tavern architecture. Although relatively plain, it is very typical of this type of utilitarian building. - NRHP Statement of Significance