This is the old Washburn Tavern on Oxford Road. It was famous during the American Revolution.  Originally built in 1714 by John Twitchell, it was expanded about 1741 by the Washband family who brought the property and started a tavern.  It was expanded again in 1794.
    The house was involved prior to the Civil War as a station in the underground railroad.  Hiding places for the runaway slaves are found in the cellar.  It is the only documented Underground Railway station in Oxford.
    Oxford residents had owned slaves for many years. The slaves were full members of the Congregational Church.  St. Peter’s Church records also mention slaves.  There are no records of slaves after 1816.  Many of the slaves had been freed by their masters in exchange for serving in the American Revolution.