When in the fall of 1867 a group of eager Columbia citizens met in the old Boone County Courthouse, their goal was to discuss the development of a new hotel for the city. This was considered a very important issue at the time. The group chairman was Colonel W.F. Switzler along with J.L. Stephens and his son E.W. Stephens. This group made the first plan for the hotel that would become Daniel Boone Tavern. On February 29, 1916 in the new Boone County Courthouse another meeting was held. This time the decision was made that the city of Columbia would receive a new hotel and $20,000 was subscribed by Columbia's citizens to fund the building of the hotel. The history of the name of the tavern is a bit of a mystery. The committee that originally proposed the hotel idea wanted the word "tavern" to be part of the name but who suggested “Daniel Boone” is still a mystery.

The Tavern had two partners involved in its creation. Frank W. Leonard and Barney Alisky. Leonard was said to know the hotel business from the ground up, he started as a mail clerk in the Southern a hotel in St. Louis he then served as a clerk, an assistant manager and an assistant superintendent of dining car service on the Missouri-Pacific. He was also the manager of the Sexton. Alisky was a newsboy turned hotel operator, he was also the editor of the largest hotel magazine in this part of the country at the time Tavern Talk. At the age of twelve he was working in a printing office in Kansas City and by twenty-two he was a part owner of Tavern Talk.

The hotel was opened on September 7th, 1917 and it was said to be “an institution which admirably represents the Hospitality of this community.” When it opened the hotel advertised 100 fireproof rooms and 50 with private baths. Rates were one dollar for a room with a lavatory and $1.50 to $2.50 for rooms with a bath. The Daniel Boone Tavern was also famous for its dining experience. You could eat all three meals there each served hot and fresh. The Tavern also served coffee and ice cream known as “Frozen Gold,” a community favorite at the time. This was a popular place for people in the community to congregate. Inside the Tavern was decorated in classic pink and gray and decorated with delicate linens and hangings as well as elegant furniture.

Daniel Boone Tavern was a popular place for people who lived in Columbia or attended the University. They often advertised to University students offering discount rates for students needing rooms over break. They also advertised eating at the Tavern, especially to impress a date. They also boasted the only ballroom in the city and would often have dances, musical performances as well as fraternity and sorority socials. The Tavern could also be rented out for specific events one example was a Red Cross benefit run by Kappa Sigma and Chi Omega. Daniel Boone Tavern’s history is embedded with that of Columbia, and even today it is still in use as part of Columbia City Hall.