300-year-old inn that hosted George Washington destroyed by fire

A 300-year-old inn that once hosted the first president of the United States was destroyed by a fire early Monday morning.

The Hunterdon Democrat reported that Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III said the fire that ruined the historic Sergeantsville Inn is under investigation, but at this time is believed to be accidental.

Someone who lived near the old inn, which these days is a restaurant, contacted emergency personnel about the fire around 2 a.m.

Firefighters called in assistance from neighboring towns to try and contain the blaze. One firefighter suffered a minor injury.

NBC 10 noted that many members of the community were saddened to see the destroyed structure in the aftermath.

"This is the center of our town," said Delaware Township Mayor Roger Locandro. "This is the place where senators and assembly people come. This is a place where people celebrate their birthdays or anniversaries — their life events."

The owner, Joe Clyde, said he hopes to rebuild the inn.

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