Blue Bell Inn Celebrates Over 280 Years of History in Pennsylvania

The iconic Montgomery County restaurant has welcomed guests since 1743, including Revolutionary War icon George Washington.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:49pm

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Since 1743, the Blue Bell Inn in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania has welcomed guests looking for a hot meal and warm company. The inn, formerly known as The White House, has a long history that includes hosting George Washington and his troops after the Battle of Germantown in 1777. To distinguish the inn from other white houses, a blue bell was installed over the patio, giving the town its new name of Blue Bell. Today, the inn continues to serve classic regional dishes like the Philadelphia Plate of fried oysters and chicken salad, drawing in loyal customers year after year.

Why it matters

The Blue Bell Inn is one of the oldest continually operating inns in the United States, celebrating over 280 years of history. As an iconic landmark in Montgomery County, the inn has played a significant role in the town's identity and development, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its historic charm and classic regional cuisine.

The details

The Blue Bell Inn was originally known as The White House, but after the Battle of Germantown in 1777, when George Washington and his troops visited the inn after their defeat, a blue bell was installed over the patio to distinguish it from other white houses. This led to the town changing its name from Pigeontown to Blue Bell. Today, the inn continues to serve classic regional dishes like the Philadelphia Plate of fried oysters and chicken salad, which has been a big draw for loyal customers over the centuries.

  • The Blue Bell Inn opened in 1743.
  • In 1777, George Washington and his troops visited the inn after the Battle of Germantown.
  • The inn's name was changed from The White House to the Blue Bell Inn after a blue bell was installed over the patio.

The players

Blue Bell Inn

An iconic Montgomery County, Pennsylvania restaurant that has been in operation since 1743, making it one of the oldest continually operating inns in the United States.

George Washington

The Revolutionary War icon who visited the Blue Bell Inn, then known as The White House, with his troops after the Battle of Germantown in 1777.

Jake Minkoff

The marketing director of the Blue Bell Inn who shared the inn's history and significance.

Andrew Vlahakis

A Lafayette Hill resident who said he feels privileged to bring his wife to the Blue Bell Inn several times a year to experience its history and nuances.

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What they’re saying

“After the Battle of Germantown in 1777, George Washington and his troops — after defeat — actually came to The White House, and George Washington frequently stayed here.”

— Jake Minkoff, Marketing Director

“The way that they did that was to install a blue bell right over at the top of our patio here, and so that people could see the bell, and changed the name to the Blue Bell Inn.”

— Jake Minkoff, Marketing Director

“It's been here that long, and I'm able to experience some of the nuances that it offers in this century.”

— Andrew Vlahakis

What’s next

The Blue Bell Inn plans to host a special 280th anniversary celebration later this year, featuring live music, historical reenactments, and a menu of classic regional dishes.

The takeaway

The Blue Bell Inn's enduring legacy as one of the oldest continually operating inns in the United States is a testament to the power of preserving local history and tradition. By honoring its past while adapting to modern tastes, the inn has remained a beloved destination for generations of visitors seeking a taste of Pennsylvania's rich culinary and cultural heritage.