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1703 A young brewer named Benjamin Fordham crossed the Atlantic and established a brewery in the new world. It was the first industry of the new provincial capital, soon to be re-dubbed Annapolis. His hand crafted beers made fresh daily slake the thirst of merchants, politicians, craftsman and sailors bustling in and out of the growing ports along the Eastern Seaboard. During this time period, 33 West Street (where Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis stands today) was owned by St. Anne's parish and leased it to William Reynolds. Reynolds subleased the land to Constitution signer Samuel Chase in 1769. Nearly 300 years later, Fordham's roots in Annapolis would be key in re-establishing the Fordham Brewery.
1792: Located at 27 West Street in Annapolis , the "Crown and Dial" was opened and owned by William Faris, whose gardens inspired William Paca. William Faris kept a diary, which is one of the best surviving accounts of colonial life. Originally from Philadelphia, Faris was also a clockmaker and silversmith. This is the future location of Rams Head Tavern located at 33 West Street.
Along the Years: Although once the location of an inn run by Kezian Lindsay Murrow Clark, the 31-33 West Street site has chiefly been the locale of taverns throughout the years. The location went by "Sign of the Green Tree" in 1794, which was referred to as a "house of entertainment." During this time, the ghost of a young girl named Amy began inhabiting the building; she is rumored to still haunt the house today. Ask the bartender to show you where Amy's bedpost still resides today.
December 1989: In December 1989, Bill & Paula Muehlhauser purchased the Rams Head Tavern from previous owners. The establishment sat 30 customers (patio sat 10) and employed five and housed 100 world famous bottled beers. The tavern served only beer and offered a "make your own sandwich" service for 35 cents an ounce to be eaten atop tables adorned with fresh flowers in beer bottles. The upstairs "Buttercup Tea Room Restaurant" sold fresh quiches to the Rams Head prior to the sandwich service (Hence, the "Tea Room").
1992: West Street Dry Cleaners on West Street was purchased to accommodate the demand for more bar spac at the Annapolis location.
1993: The adjoining Barber Shop is purchased in order to add more seating capacity at Rams Head Tavern Annapolis.
September 1995: The Fordham Brewing Company is reestablished nearly 300 years later in the old Savings and Loan bank on West Street. A handcrafted family of beers are made fresh daily for Rams Head Tavern using the time-honored traditions and the latest in brewing techniques.
November 1997: Rams Head On Stage, a National Entertainment Venue, opens it's doors in Annapolis (the location of the old Blue Cross/Blue Shield building). The venue features acts such as Livingston Taylor, Aaron Neville, Lyle Lovett and Joe Sample.
1997: As the plaque states in the Down Bar, "On October 25th, 1997 at Table 6… the plot was hatched which led to the succession and glorious independence of the Martime Republic of Eastport."
July 1999: Rams Head Tavern Savage Mill is opened. The largest of the Rams Head Taverns, Savage Mill is 4 floors offering an array of dining for your atmosphere appetite.
2001: Fordham Brewing Company awarded "Best Local Lager" Baltimore Magazine's Best of Baltimore 2001
February 2002: Rams Head Tavern Rehoboth Beach, DE location opened it's doors replacing the Full Moon Saloon on 15 Wilmington Avenue. Only ½ block from the beach, the Rehoboth Beach location features live, local musicians, boardwalk delivery and the same good food and great beer locals have come to love from Rams Head Tavern.
November 2003: Fordham Brewing Company relocates to the brand new 15,000 square foot facility in Dover, Delaware. Bottling 3 different lines of Fordham brew and kegging a variety of seasonals, this location has the ability to produce up to 50,000 barrels annually.
April 2004: Rams Head opens the latest concept, Rams Head Roadhouse (formerly Rudy's Tavern), on the border of Annapolis and Crownsville, Maryland. Featuring over 30 types of sandwiches, pizza and over 100 kinds of beer, Rams Head Roadhouse is happy to serve you with the same quality atmosphere and food you've come to love from Rams Head®.
December 2004: Opened December 15th, 2004, Rams Head Live! features national acts in it's 21,000 square foot entertainment venue. Featuring a 120 seat Tavern, 5 bars, 3 food stations and 44 monitors and screens for watching, Rams Head Live is the region's premier national entertainment venue consistently ranking Top 50 in the World.
October 2006: Rams Head ventured to the Eastern Shore of Maryland opening Rams Head Shore House (formerly the Island Inn). With seating for 180, the Rams Head Shore House offers a little something for everyone. The Dining area offers a quiet retreat amongst photos of the Eastern Shore of Maryland while the Tavern side compliments nicely with bar stools, pool tables and features the famour Rams Head happy hour.
April 2007: Rams Head Promotions began the booking and operations of Pier Six Pavilion, located in waterside in Baltimore. This outdoor music pavilion is surrounded by water on three sides and offers a picturesque view of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. From April until October, national acts play to the 4200 capacity audience. Past acts include: James Taylor, Chicago, Mac Miller, Billy Idol, Stevie Wonder, BBKing, Trace Adkins, Earth Wind & Fire, Cake, Thievery Corporation, Willie Nelson and the Beach Boys to name a few.
December 2007: Rams Head BWI Airport opened in Terminal C
August 2011: Rams Head Promotions created a one-day festival to take place in Annapolis, Maryland called Silopanna Music Festival. With 3 stages and 18 bands lined up for success, Silopanna had to be cancelled due to Hurricane Irene.
2012: You never know a new year will bring. But without a doubt, Rams Head is always brewing up something new and exciting.
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