Putnam Cottage (Knapp Tavern) | Greenwich

Putnam Cottage, also known as Knapp Tavern, is a historic house museum located in Greenwich, Connecticut, recognized for its pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and its preservation as an 18th-century tavern and home. It stands as one of the region’s most significant Revolutionary War landmarks and offers visitors insight into colonial life, wartime events, and local history.

Historical Background

Built in the 17th or early 18th century, the structure originally functioned as a private home before becoming a tavern, serving travelers along the Boston Post Road.

Its most famous historical event occurred in 1776, during the Battle of Ridgefield and the larger retreat of American forces following the British capture of New York.

General Israel Putnam, a hero of the Revolutionary War, allegedly evaded British forces by riding his horse past the British onlookers and hiding in the tavern, an event that gave the site its enduring historical significance.

The tavern continued operating into the 19th century before being preserved as a historic site.

Architecture and Design

Putnam Cottage is a wood-frame colonial structure, representative of 17th- and 18th-century New England architecture.

Features include exposed beams, wide-plank floors, and a central chimney, reflecting the practical and sturdy construction of the period.

The building retains many original elements, offering visitors a tangible connection to colonial craftsmanship and lifestyle.

Museum and Exhibits

The site operates as a house museum, maintained by the Putnam Cottage Association.

Exhibits include period furnishings, military artifacts, documents, and interpretive displays that explain the tavern’s role in the Revolutionary War.

Educational programs focus on colonial life, military strategy, and the history of Greenwich, allowing visitors to experience 18th-century daily life.

Living history events, reenactments, and guided tours help bring the Revolutionary era to life for children and adults alike.

Cultural and Educational Role

The cottage serves as a community landmark highlighting local heritage and the broader story of the American Revolution in Connecticut.

It is integrated into Greenwich’s historical walking tours, connecting with other local sites like Greenwich Point Park and historical downtown locations.

The museum provides resources for school groups, history enthusiasts, and researchers, emphasizing experiential learning and historical preservation.

Present-Day Significance

Putnam Cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and cultural importance.

It symbolizes Connecticut’s Revolutionary War legacy, commemorating the bravery of local patriots and the strategic role of the area in the fight for independence.

The site continues to engage the public through educational programming, historic preservation initiatives, and special events, ensuring its story remains accessible to future generations.

Putnam Cottage (Knapp Tavern) stands as a living link to the Revolutionary War, offering both a preserved example of colonial architecture and a narrative of heroism, strategy, and everyday life during one of the most transformative periods in American history.