Ebenezer Avery House facts for kids
| Established | 1975 |
|---|---|
| Location | 57 Fort Street, Groton, Connecticut |
| Type | Historic house museum |
The Ebenezer Avery House is a very old house in Groton, Connecticut. It was built around the 1760s and belonged to Ebenezer Avery. This house became famous during the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781. After the battle, British soldiers used it to care for their injured.
In 1971, the house was carefully moved to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. It was then fixed up to look like it did long ago. Today, the Avery Memorial Association takes care of it. You can visit it as a historic house museum.
The House's Story
The Ebenezer Avery House has 10 rooms and was built in the 1760s. It was the home of Ensign Ebenezer Avery. The house first stood on Latham Street and Thames Street in Groton, Connecticut. Ebenezer Avery was a tailor. He joined the fight on September 6, 1781, to defend Fort Griswold.
The Battle of Groton Heights was a tough fight for the Americans. Many people lost their homes after the battle. While Ebenezer Avery was away fighting, his house was used by others. Some wounded soldiers were taken there. They were placed inside the house to recover.
Ebenezer Avery himself was hurt in the battle. He was shot in the neck and lost his hearing. But he got better and lived in the house until he passed away in 1828. Years later, in 1896, a special plaque was placed at the house to remember its history.
Saving and Restoring the House
In 1970, the Ebenezer Avery House was almost torn down. This was to make room for new apartments. But R. Stanton Avery bought the house to save it. He wanted to give it to the Avery Memorial Association.
The house needed a lot of work to be fixed. So, the association decided to move it. They planned to take the house apart and rebuild it at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. This was a big project that cost a lot of money. R. Stanton Avery and the association shared the costs.
By 1972, the house was moved. It was then given to the State of Connecticut. The goal was to make it a historic house museum. In May 1975, the Ebenezer Avery House opened to visitors. It was restored to look just like it did in the 1700s. Inside, you can see old items from that time. This includes a sword that belonged to Lieutenant Ebenezer Avery, a relative who died in the battle. Even bricks from another old mansion were used to fix the chimney.
Today, the Ebenezer Avery House is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. You can visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
