History

The Ferry House was built on this site, by Samuel Clift, owner/operator of the ferry service between Bristol and Burlington, N.J. He had opened it as a small hotel to accommodate guests upon their arrival, via ferry.

In 1735, a Frenchman, by the name of Charles Besonett, bought and built the Inn on a much larger scale, using Clift's hotel as the base to this grand new site. Renamed "George the Second Hotel," in keeping with the many royal Inns he had visited and fashioned it after in England. The story is told that a timely name change took place when General George Washington and his troops approached Bucks County. The image of King George was quickly removed from the outside sign and painted over with a likeness of the General.

Shortly thereafter, Besonett thought it was wise to permanently change the name to the "Fountain House" which it remained for many more years.

Bolstered by important land and water routes, Bristol developed into a leading market town and river port, where hundreds of boats unloaded their wares. The Inn prospered due to this prime location where it became the hub of the town's upward development.

Bristol also became known as a popular summer resort and spa. Warm river springs from the Delaware were said to heal many ills. People flocked here to enjoy the "Bristol Springs" and to drink and bathe in their waters. During the warmer months, the Inn was filled to capacity by the wealthy who could afford weekly hotel rates. According to legend, many dignitaries were guests at the Inn during the Victorian era. A short list includes General George Washington and Presidents John Tyler, John Adams, James Madison, and Millard Fillmore.