Greenwich, nestled in the southwestern corner of Fairfield County, Connecticut, boasts a rich history dating back to 1640 when founding families purchased land in what is now Old Greenwich from Native Americans for twenty-five coats. The town’s strategic location—at the southernmost and westernmost tip of Connecticut between Stamford and New York City—has shaped its development from colonial settlement to modern affluent suburb. Initially part of New Netherlands (later New York), Greenwich officially became part of New Haven Colony in 1650, marking the beginning of its Connecticut identity.
Transportation has played a crucial role in Greenwich’s evolution. The main route connecting Boston to New York, known as “The Country Road” (later becoming U.S. Route 1), passed through Greenwich in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, though it remained rocky and difficult until improvements arrived in the late eighteenth century. The town’s accessibility continued to evolve with the introduction of trolley service connecting Rye to Stamford, followed by the Merritt Parkway cutting through northern Greenwich in 1938 and Interstate 95 to the south in 1957, each transportation advancement bringing waves of new residents to this picturesque coastal town.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Historical Development of Greenwich, CT
Greenwich’s rich history spans from its earliest Native American settlements to its development as a thriving Connecticut town. The area’s strategic location between New York and New England significantly shaped its cultural identity and historical significance.
Early Settlement and Dutch Influence
Greenwich’s history begins in 1640 when founding families purchased land in what is now Old Greenwich from Native Americans for twenty-five coats. Initially, Greenwich was part of New Netherland (Dutch territory) rather than an English settlement.
The Dutch influence on early Greenwich was substantial, with the area serving as a frontier between Dutch New Netherland and English colonies. This unique position created a distinct cultural blend that would continue to characterize Greenwich throughout its development.
The Byram River formed a natural boundary between Dutch and English territories, with settlers often finding themselves caught between competing colonial powers. Many early residents maintained ties with both Dutch and English communities out of necessity.
The Formation of New Haven Colony and Horseneck
In 1650, Greenwich officially became part of New Haven Colony, marking a significant shift from Dutch to English control. The western section of town became known as Horseneck due to its peninsula shape resembling a horse’s neck extending into Long Island Sound.
Horseneck developed as the commercial center of Greenwich with its access to shipping lanes along Long Island Sound. The area grew steadily as agricultural activities expanded across the fertile lands of Greenwich.
The Mianus River divided eastern and western sections of town, creating natural communities that would eventually merge into a single town governance structure. Despite these divisions, residents maintained a common identity as Greenwich settlers.
Greenwich’s Role in the American Revolution
During the Revolutionary War, Greenwich’s strategic location along the main route from Boston to New York (known as “The Country Road”) made it a hotspot for military activity. This route later became U.S. Route 1.
One famous incident involved General Israel Putnam, who made a daring escape from British soldiers by riding his horse down a steep hill that the British horsemen wouldn’t attempt. This story became legendary in Greenwich’s Revolutionary history.
Greenwich residents generally supported independence, though some maintained Loyalist sympathies. The town experienced raids and property destruction as the British attempted to secure the important coastal territory.
Post-Revolutionary Growth and the Town of Greenwich
After the Revolution, Greenwich experienced significant growth as transportation networks expanded. The rocky, hilly route between Boston and New York saw improvements in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, stimulating commerce.
Agricultural activities gradually gave way to more commercial enterprises. The town’s proximity to New York City began to attract wealthy families seeking country estates away from urban congestion.
Greenwich’s development accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the nineteenth century. This transportation revolution transformed the town from a collection of small farming communities into an increasingly cohesive municipality with distinct village centers.
The town’s governance structure evolved to manage this growth, establishing the foundations for modern Greenwich. By the early twentieth century, Greenwich had firmly established its identity as a prestigious Connecticut town.
Landmarks and Historical Sites
Greenwich boasts a rich tapestry of historical structures that tell the story of its colonial roots and revolutionary significance. These carefully preserved landmarks offer visitors a tangible connection to the town’s storied past.
Bush-Holley House and Knapp Tavern
The Bush-Holley House stands as Greenwich’s premier historical treasure, earning National Historic Landmark status in 1991. Built in the early 18th century, this distinguished structure served as the epicenter of the renowned Cos Cob Art Colony from 1890 to 1920.
Today, it functions as the headquarters and museum of the Greenwich Historical Society, offering visitors a glimpse into two distinct periods of American history. The first floor recreates the 18th-century merchant household of the Bush family, while the second floor showcases the early 20th-century boardinghouse for artists.
Adjacent to the main house sits the restored Knapp Tavern, which dates back to the Revolutionary era. This building provides further insight into Greenwich’s colonial heritage with period furnishings and interactive exhibits.
General Israel Putnam: The Legacy of Putnam Cottage
Putnam Cottage, also known as Knapp’s Tavern, commemorates the daring escape of General Israel Putnam during the American Revolution. When British troops invaded in 1779, Putnam reportedly rode down a steep hill (now called Putnam Hill) to evade capture.
The bright red structure on The Country Road (now Post Road) serves as a museum honoring Putnam’s bravery and Revolutionary War history. Built circa 1690, the cottage features authentic period furnishings, military artifacts, and educational displays.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved interior that includes original fireplaces, hand-hewn beams, and colonial-era household items. The site hosts regular historical reenactments that bring this pivotal moment in Greenwich’s history vividly to life.
Cultural Institutions and Nonprofit Entities
Greenwich’s commitment to preserving its heritage extends beyond individual landmarks to encompass various cultural institutions. The town currently maintains two local historic districts: Strickland Road District in Cos Cob (established 1975) and the Round Hill-John Street District (established 1988).
The Greenwich Historical Society leads preservation efforts through its Greenwich Landmarks program, which designates and protects historically significant structures throughout town. This initiative has successfully saved numerous buildings from demolition since the late 1960s.
The society also offers genealogical resources for researchers tracing family connections to Greenwich. Their archives contain property records, photographs, and documents dating back to colonial times.
Other notable preserved sites include the historic Edgewood Inn on Round Hill, which exemplifies the architectural grandeur of Greenwich’s past. These institutions collectively ensure that Greenwich’s rich history remains accessible to future generations.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Connecticut! Look for deals here:
Connecticut Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Fairfield County
Hartford County
Litchfield County
Middlesex County
New Haven County
New London County
Tolland County
