The King Tavern was originally Governor King's residence, built about 1800 and located in Bath, on Front Street, where the old Customs House (Federal Building) now stands.

After King's death in 1852, the building was moved to Front and Vine Streets, where it began a long tenure as an inn and tavern. During this time, the building was enlarged to four floors from its original 1.5 stories. It was called the King Tavern from 1910-1926.

In 1926 it was razed to make way for the Vine Street approach to the Carlton Bridge.