Retracing George Washington's Favorite Tavern Stop
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, Greenwich will mark the 250th Anniversary of the year of George Washington’s historic arrival in our town with a commemorative ride between the Greenwich Historical Society and Putnam Cottage.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Meet the General at the Greenwich Historical Society in Cos Cob (47 Strickland Road) as he prepares his horse for the journey. Colonial games and toy making will be available for children.
11:30 AM: Arrive at Knapp's Tavern (now Putnam Cottage), at 243 East Putnam Avenue, to witness the official procession arrival.
Noon: The sound of the bell will signal the start of the formal commemoration, featuring a flag raising and a proclamation by First Selectman Fred Camillo.
The General's Rush to New York (1776)
In April 1776, Washington was in a high-stakes sprint. Having just forced the British to evacuate Boston, he knew their next target was New York City—the strategic "key" to the colonies. Washington rode through Connecticut at a grueling pace to organize defenses before the British fleet could arrive. His lunch stop at Knapp’s Tavern was a brief moment of respite in a journey that would decide the fate of the American Revolution.
The Return of the President (1789)
Thirteen years later, Washington returned to the same tavern—not as a weary General, but as the first President of the United States. During his 1789 "Inaugural Tour," he noted in his diary that the Connecticut countryside was "beautiful and the lands good." He also praised the "extensive and beautiful" views of the Sound.
Between the Lines: As we celebrate 250 years of "No Kings," we honor a General who became President and never forgot the good hospitality of Greenwich.