Since 1743, the Blue Bell Inn has been serving guests food and beverage, and its earliest days offered lodging. The historic building was known as the White House until 1796 and was marked on George Washington's military maps of 1777 which led Washington and his troops to the Battle of Germantown. The old well at the Inn provided water for the troops during the journey, much to the fear of the Hessian mercenaries that were hiding in a cubbyhole in the basement.
After the defeat at the Battle of Germantown, Washington and his men retreated to the Blue Bell Area and made their headquarters on Lewis Lane from October 6 to December 15, 1777. During this period Washington often stayed at the Inn and years later his room was used to display military items from the Revolution. In 1796, the name of the Inn was changed from the White House to the Blue Bell Inn. A Blue Bell was hung on the building so the people who did not know how to read could know the name of the Inn. Today, it is still prominently displayed. In 1840, the name of the town changed from Pigeontown to Blue Bell because the Inn was so prominent in the town's history. Pigeontown originated from the large flocks of wild pigeons that frequented the area which were trapped and killed, probably for the Inn's menu.
Today, the award winning Blue Bell Inn is famous throughout the Delaware Valley for its fine food. John Lamprecht, its owner-proprietor and executive chef, has followed a family tradition started by his father who was once the garde-manger at the Warwick Hotel and is known to be the creator of Lamaze Sauce. The building was extensively remodeled and while the exterior still remains an imposing 18th century white building, the interiors are contemporary and spacious.
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Blue Bell Inn
601 Skippack Pike
Blue Bell, Pa 19422
(215) 646-2010 Reservations
(215) 646-2426 Fax