Our circa 1796 hotel is steeped in history, being the boyhood home of our nation's 15th President, James Buchanan — built by his father, James Buchanan Sr. Buchanan's father opened a store, in what is now the Pub, and introduced young James to the problem of keeping things accounted for and in their proper places. By the time James was 10 years of age, his father was one of Mercersburg's leading businessmen. When Buchanan was sixteen he left Mercersburg to attend Dickinson College. The Buchanan home in Mercersburg later became "Hotel Mercer." Years later operating under new ownership, the James Buchanan Hotel is a staple in this historic town.

We are a proud part of the Mercersberg Historic District and were listed by the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The James Buchanan Hotel currently operate as a full-service hotel and restaurant, but the history and integrity of the Buchanans is just as present as it was in the l700’s.