10 Oldest General Stores in America

For many people, the idea of a general store conjures up images of a bygone era, a time when life was simpler and shopping was a community affair. While many of these stores have disappeared over the years, there are still some that have managed to hold on, preserving a piece of America’s past. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the 10 oldest general stores in America.

From the quaint to the historic, each of these stores has a unique story to tell, and we’ll be exploring the history and significance of each one. So whether you’re a history buff, a lover of all things vintage, or just someone who appreciates the charm of a good old-fashioned general store, this article is for you. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore some of the oldest and most fascinating general stores in America.

10. End of the Commons General Store

photo source: TripAdvisor

The End of the Commons General Store is a historic general store located in Mesopotamia, Ohio, and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the United States. It was founded in 1840 and has been in operation for over 180 years, making it a beloved local institution and a popular tourist destination.

The store is housed in a charming, historic building that has been carefully preserved over the years. It still retains many of its original features, including the original wooden floors, counters, and shelving. The store sells a wide range of goods, including groceries, hardware, and clothing, as well as locally made crafts and gifts.

Did You Know?

The store hosts regular events, such as live music performances and holiday celebrations, which draw crowds from all over the region.

9. Hope General Store

photo source: Maine Features

The Hope General Store is a historic general store located in Hope, Maine, USA. It was founded in 1832 and has been in operation for almost two centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the United States. Today, the store is still owned and operated by Andrew Stewart, who has worked hard to preserve its historic charm while also modernizing the store to meet the needs of its customers.

The Hope General Store is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a wide range of goods and services. It sells groceries, hardware, and clothing, as well as locally made crafts and gifts. It also has a café that serves delicious homemade food and coffee, and a gas station that provides fuel to travelers passing through the area.

Did You Know?

Hope General Store is unique for its strong emphasis on sustainability and the environment. The store uses solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint and sources products locally to support the local economy while minimizing transportation emissions.

8. Rabbit Hash General Store

photo source: Wikipedia

The Rabbit Hash General Store is a historic landmark located in Burlington, Kentucky. Founded in 1831, the store has a rich history and has survived many disasters, including fires and floods. Despite these challenges, the store has remained a beloved community gathering place for over 190 years. The store offers a wide range of goods, including antiques, handmade crafts, and locally-sourced foods, as well as a selection of vintage candies and sodas.

One of the most unique aspects of the Rabbit Hash General Store is its commitment to preserving history and tradition. The store’s interior has remained largely unchanged over the years, with the original wooden floors, shelves, and counters still in place. Visitors can step back in time as they browse the store’s wares and soak in the old-fashioned atmosphere.

Did You Know?

The Rabbit Hash General Store is known for its canine mayor. In 1998, the residents of Rabbit Hash elected their first canine mayor, a border collie named Goofy.

7. Colebrook Store

photo source: The Register Citizen

The Colebrook Store, located in the small town of Colebrook, Connecticut, has been serving customers since 1812. With a history spanning over 200 years, the store has become a beloved fixture of the community, providing not only groceries and household goods, but also a sense of nostalgia and tradition. The store’s interior is adorned with vintage memorabilia and antiques, giving customers a glimpse into the past and a reminder of simpler times.

Despite its age, the Colebrook Store has adapted to changing times and continues to thrive in the 21st century. Under the ownership of Jodi Marinelli, the store has expanded its offerings to include organic and locally sourced products, while still maintaining its classic general store charm. Visitors can find everything from fresh produce and meat, to homemade baked goods and craft beer.

Did You Know?

The store uses solar panels to power its operations and offers reusable shopping bags to reduce waste.

6. Brown & Hopkins Country Store

photo source: Only In Your State

Brown & Hopkins Country Store is one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the United States, having been founded in 1809. Located in the charming town of Chepachet, Rhode Island, the store has been in operation for over two centuries and has become a beloved institution in the community. The store’s quaint and rustic appearance, with its wide-plank floors, wooden shelves, and antique goods, offers visitors a nostalgic trip back in time.

Over the years, it has undergone several transformations, but its commitment to offering high-quality goods and personalized service has remained unchanged. Today, the store still sells a wide range of items, from specialty foods to home decor to unique gifts. What sets it apart is the selection of locally made products, such as jams, jellies, and handcrafted pottery.

Did You Know?

The store hosts various events throughout the year, including art shows, book signings, and crafting workshops. Customers can participate in workshops and classes on topics such as knitting, weaving, and quilting, and even meet local artists and craftspeople.

5. Jericho Center Country Store

photo source: Happy Vermont

The Jericho Center Country Store, founded in 1807, is one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the United States. It is located in the picturesque village of Jericho Center, Vermont, surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside. The store is family-owned and operated by the St. Amour family, who have been running it since 1998.

Despite its age, the Jericho Center Country Store has managed to keep up with the times while retaining its historic charm. The store offers a variety of products and services, including groceries, deli sandwiches, beer and wine, gifts, and even a small post office. Customers can enjoy their purchases on the store’s front porch or sit at the picnic tables outside and take in the beautiful scenery.

Did You Know?

The store also hosts community events, such as live music performances and charity fundraisers, which further contribute to its status as a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

4. The Brick Store

photo source: Wikipedia

The Brick Store in Bath, New Hampshire, is one of the oldest operating general stores in the United States. Founded in the early 1790s, the store has been a fixture in the community for over two centuries. It has survived fires, floods, and even the Great Depression and has become a beloved gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

In 2019, the Brick Store was temporarily closed due to a fire that caused significant damage to the building. The owners, Mike and Nancy Lusby, have been working diligently to restore the store to its former glory and reopen it as soon as possible. The closure has been a loss for the community, as the Brick Store has been a cherished landmark and gathering place for generations.

Did You Know?

The Brick Store is known for its historic charm, with its original brick facade and antique fixtures and furnishings.

3. Davoll’s General Store

photo source: TripAdvisor

Located in the small town of Lakeville, Massachusetts, Davoll’s General Store is one of the oldest general stores in America that has been serving the local community for over 225 years since its establishment in 1793. It holds a significant place in the local community’s history and has been a continuously operating local landmark.

Davoll’s General Store is a family-run business that has been passed down through seven generations of the Davoll family. This makes it one of the few family-owned businesses that have been in continuous operation for over two centuries. The store features a variety of goods, including groceries, clothing, and hardware, providing a traditional New England vibe.

Did You Know?

Despite undergoing several renovations over the years, the store has retained its original charm and New England feel, reflecting the local community’s roots.

2. Gray’s General Store

photo source: Wikipedia

Gray’s General Store, located in Adamsville, Rhode Island, was one of the oldest general stores in America before it permanently closed its doors. It was founded in 1788 and had been serving the local community for over 200 years before shutting down. The store was a beloved local landmark and a testament to the rich history of the area.

Gray’s General Store was owned and operated by Jonah Waite, who had been running the business for many years. The store had a traditional New England feel and sold a wide range of goods, from groceries to hardware to clothing. It was a gathering place for the local community, where people could catch up with neighbors and friends while shopping for essentials.

Did You Know?

Despite its rich history and loyal customer base, Gray’s General Store struggled to keep up with modern times. The rise of chain stores and online shopping made it difficult for small businesses like Gray’s to compete.

1. The Old Country Store and Museum

photo source: Yankee Magazine

The Old Country Store and Museum, founded in 1781, is located in the small town of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, making it the oldest general store in America. It has been in continuous operation for over 240 years and is now run by owner Jo Hayden. The store has a unique charm, with its old-fashioned design and historical artifacts, which have been collected over generations and displayed in the attached museum.

What sets The Old Country Store apart from other general stores is its dedication to preserving history and tradition. The museum houses a vast collection of antiques, such as an 1890s cash register and a 1910s telephone booth, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience life as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Did You Know?

The Old Country Store and Museum has become a beloved landmark in Moultonborough and is visited by people from all over the world.