Putnam Cottage, Fairfield County Travel Guide

4.5 (13)

Explore colonial history at Putnam Cottage in Greenwich, CT, a Revolutionary War-era tavern and museum on the historic Boston Post Road.

Step back in time at Putnam Cottage, a bright red house on the Boston Post Road in Greenwich, CT, that served as Knapp's Tavern in the 1700s. It played a role in the Revolutionary War, hosting figures like General Israel Putnam and George Washington, and now operates as a museum.

A brief summary to Putnam Cottage

243 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, Connecticut, 06830, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Putnam Cottage.

Check the Putnam Cottage website or call ahead for tour schedules and special events, as hours may vary.
Allow at least one to two hours to fully explore the house and grounds.
Consider visiting other nearby attractions in the Putnam Hill Historic District, such as the Second Congregational Church and the Tomes-Higgins House.

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Explore Putnam Cottage on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Putnam Cottage, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Putnam Cottage is located on the busy East Putnam Avenue (also known as the Boston Post Road or Route 1). If you are nearby in downtown Greenwich, you can walk along Putnam Avenue to the east. The cottage will be on your right at 243 East Putnam Avenue. Be mindful of traffic as you walk along this route.
Public Transport

The Metro-North Railroad has a station in Greenwich. From the Greenwich train station, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to Putnam Cottage. Alternatively, CT Transit buses serve the Greenwich area. Check the CT Transit website for schedules and routes, specifically routes 10 and 11, which service East Putnam Avenue. Get off at the stop closest to Putnam Cottage.
Taxi

Taxis and rideshares are readily available in Greenwich. From the Greenwich train station, a taxi or rideshare to Putnam Cottage will take approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around $15-$25, depending on the service and traffic. Taxi services include Greenwich Taxi.
Driving

If driving, use the address 243 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830 in your GPS. From I-95, take exit 3 for US-1 toward Greenwich. Merge onto US-1 S and continue for about 2 miles. Turn left onto E Putnam Ave (CT-1), and you will find Putnam Cottage on your right after about 0.5 miles. Limited street parking is available nearby. You can use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking in metered areas.

Discover more about Putnam Cottage

Putnam Cottage, also known as Knapp's Tavern, is a historic landmark in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a rich history dating back to the late 17th century. Originally built by the Knapp family, it expanded in the mid-1700s and became a tavern. The cottage is most famous for its association with General Israel Putnam and his legendary escape from the British during the Revolutionary War. It also hosted General George Washington and his troops for lunch in 1776.Today, Putnam Cottage serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into colonial life and the events surrounding the American Revolution. The house features period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of its past. It's also a learning center for students and a venue for Revolutionary War celebrations. The Putnam Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) maintains the cottage and its grounds.The cottage's architecture reflects its evolution over time. Originally a one-room structure, it expanded into a two-story house with a central chimney. Although it underwent modernization in the 19th century, restoration efforts in the 20th century returned it to its colonial appearance. Visitors can explore the house, its herb garden, and surrounding grounds, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of the 18th century.