Putnam's cottage
Encyclopedia
Putnam Cottage also known as Knapp Tavern during the American Revolution
. It is located on the Boston Post Road
, or Route One, in Greenwich, Connecticut
.
Putnam's cottage was built by the Knapp family. The house was expanded by 1750 to become a tavern, serving travelers and troops during the American Revolution
. In 1776, General George Washington
stopped and fed his troops there as evidenced by his expense report on file with the Smithsonian Institution
.
The name of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam
became associated with the house as it was the scene of his daring and historic ride down a steep slope, now known as Put's Hill, with the redcoats in hot pursuit. This historic scene is depicted in the seal of the Town of Greenwich and the name of Putnam is found throughout the State of Connecticut
.
In the early 20th century, the house was purchased by the Israel Putnam House Association, Inc. Since 1910, the property has been the Historic Preservation Project of the Putnam Hill Chapter DAR Daughters of the American Revolution
. The house had been "modernized" in the 19th century with features such as plaster ceilings, Victorian trim and a front porch. The Putnam Hill Chapter DAR raised funds to restore its 17th century appearance to coincide with the United States Bicentennial
in 1976.
Putnam Cottage is currently maintained as a Revolutionary Era tavern museum open to the public, as well as a location for historical reenactments.
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. It is located on the Boston Post Road
Boston Post Road
The Boston Post Road was a system of mail-delivery routes between New York City and Boston, Massachusetts that evolved into the first major highways in the United States.The three major alignments were the Lower Post Road The Boston Post Road was a system of mail-delivery routes between New York...
, or Route One, in Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 61,171. It is home to many hedge funds and other financial service companies. Greenwich is the southernmost and westernmost municipality in Connecticut and is 38+ minutes ...
.
Putnam's cottage was built by the Knapp family. The house was expanded by 1750 to become a tavern, serving travelers and troops during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. In 1776, General George Washington
George Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
stopped and fed his troops there as evidenced by his expense report on file with the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
.
The name of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam
Israel Putnam
Israel Putnam was an American army general and Freemason who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War...
became associated with the house as it was the scene of his daring and historic ride down a steep slope, now known as Put's Hill, with the redcoats in hot pursuit. This historic scene is depicted in the seal of the Town of Greenwich and the name of Putnam is found throughout the State of Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
.
In the early 20th century, the house was purchased by the Israel Putnam House Association, Inc. Since 1910, the property has been the Historic Preservation Project of the Putnam Hill Chapter DAR Daughters of the American Revolution
Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a lineage-based membership organization for women who are descended from a person involved in United States' independence....
. The house had been "modernized" in the 19th century with features such as plaster ceilings, Victorian trim and a front porch. The Putnam Hill Chapter DAR raised funds to restore its 17th century appearance to coincide with the United States Bicentennial
United States Bicentennial
The United States Bicentennial was a series of celebrations and observances during the mid-1970s that paid tribute to the historical events leading up to the creation of the United States as an independent republic...
in 1976.
Putnam Cottage is currently maintained as a Revolutionary Era tavern museum open to the public, as well as a location for historical reenactments.