Capt. Elisha Phelps House facts for kids
|
Capt. Elisha Phelps House
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
The historic Capt. Elisha Phelps Tavern House and Museum
|
|
 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 800 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1711, expanded 1771 |
| Architect | Lt. David Phelps |
| Part of | Simsbury Center Historic District (ID96000356) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001345 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1972 |
| Designated CP | April 12, 1996 |
The Captain Elisha Phelps House is a historic house museum located at 800 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, Connecticut. This old house was first built in 1711 by David Phelps. His son, Elisha Phelps, later received the land and made the house bigger in 1771.
Elisha Phelps was an important person during the American Revolutionary War. He and his brother Noah Phelps helped capture Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Elisha was also in charge of getting supplies for the Northern Department of the army. This role was given to him by the Continental Congress, which was the government of the American colonies during the war.
After the War of 1812, the house became a hotel called the Canal Hotel. It was located right next to the New Haven and Northampton Canal, a waterway used for transportation.
Who Was Elisha Phelps?
Elisha Phelps was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, on October 17, 1737. His family had a long history in America. His ancestors were Puritans who came to the New World in 1630. They traveled on a ship called the Mary and John. They were among the first settlers in places like Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Elisha Phelps sadly passed away at age 43 on July 14, 1776, in Albany, New York. He became sick while caring for soldiers. After his death, his brother Noah Phelps took over the house. The house stayed in the Phelps family until 1962.
The Phelps Tavern Museum
Today, the old Captain Elisha Phelps House is known as The Phelps Tavern Museum. A tavern was like a hotel and restaurant in the past. The museum shows what life was like in the house when it was an inn from 1786 to 1849.
You can explore rooms that look just like they did long ago. There are also fun exhibits that tell the story of three generations of Phelps family members who ran the tavern. The museum also teaches about the history of taverns in New England. These taverns were busy places where people met for all sorts of events. They hosted everything from important meetings to big parties. Travelers arriving by horse, stagecoach, or canal would stop here.
The Phelps Tavern Museum is part of a larger area that is about 2 acres (0.8 hectares) big. This area also includes a museum shop, research archives, and beautiful gardens from that time period. The Simsbury Historical Society owns and runs the museum.
See also
