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More than half a century ago, the BLACK KETTLE MOTEL AND RESTAURANT welcomed visitors to Washington and Rappahannock.
According to a June 12, 1983 article in the New York Times, the Black Kettle Motel was open Tuesday – Sunday with weekend prices of $40 for double occupancy room. Meals were served to guests, including chicken dinners for $5.95 and prime rib for $11.95. Beer and wine were also available.
In the 1950’s it was known as the Lake Manahoac Motel:
“The interior was built with knotty pine and the rooms featured “Electromode Heat” for chilly nights. Cross-ventilation was provided for relief from the summer heat. Guests at the motel were given fishing privileges in the stocked lake and mountain stream. Reservations could be made by dialing 2943.”
From the book Shenandoah: Its National Park and Neighbors by Anne Frederick
New York Times article on Washington, VA – June 12, 1983
Prior to becoming the Black Kettle, the motel was named Lake Manohoac Motel
Photo of the Black Kettle Motel ca. 1988