Keeler Tavern facts for kids
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Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Keeler Tavern Museum seen from Main Street
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2.2 acres (0.89 ha) |
| Built | c. 1713 |
| Architect | Benjamin Hoyt et al; Cass Gilbert |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Georgian |
| Website | keelertavernmuseum.org |
| Part of | Ridgefield Center Historic District (ID84000817) |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004345 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1982 |
| Designated CP | September 7, 1984 |
The Keeler Tavern is a very old building located at 152 Main Street in Ridgefield, Connecticut. It was built around 1713. This historic spot has a rich past. It served as a summer home for the famous architect Cass Gilbert, who bought it in 1907. He designed new parts for the building and a beautiful garden.
The Keeler Tavern also played a role in the Battle of Ridgefield during the American Revolutionary War in 1777. British soldiers marched right past it! Today, the site is known as the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC). It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It is also part of the Ridgefield Center Historic District, which was listed in 1984.
Contents
History of the Keeler Tavern
The town of Ridgefield was built on land that belonged to Native American groups. These included the Ramapough, Munsee Lenape, and Wappinger people.
The 1700s: From Home to Inn
In 1708, families from Norwalk bought 20,000 acres of land from the Ramapough people. This land became Ridgefield. The main road had "lotts" of 7.5 acres each. This particular spot was Lott 2, owned by Benjamin Hoyt. He built the first small, one-room house here. By the 1750s, it had grown into a two-and-a-half-story farmhouse.
In 1769, Benjamin Hoyt's nephew, Timothy Keeler, bought the house. He and his wife, Esther, turned it into "Keeler's Inn." It became a busy tavern and lodging spot. It was on a main postal route between Hartford and New York City.
On April 27, 1777, a big event happened here. During the Battle of Ridgefield, the British army attacked. The tavern was hit by cannon fire. You can still see one of these cannonballs stuck in the tavern's north corner post today! This battle was an important victory for the American Continental Army.
The 1800s: Family Business and Changes
In 1815, Timothy's son, William Keeler, took over the tavern. He ran it with his sister, Anna, calling it "W. Keeler's Hotel." After William passed away in 1827, Anna became the full owner.
Anna married Abijah Resseguie. They owned the property and changed the name to the "Resseguie Hotel." They had a daughter named Anna Marie in 1830. After her parents died, Anna Marie Resseguie ran the hotel. She worked with Phillis DuBois, a Black woman who had lived with the family since childhood. Phillis helped run the business and later received pay for her work.
The 1900s: A Famous Architect's Home
In 1907, Cass Gilbert, a very famous architect, bought the property. He made it his family's summer home. Gilbert added a new section to the tavern building. He also designed and built the Garden House, the Walled Garden, and the Carriage Barn.
After Gilbert passed away, his wife, Julia, built a Memorial Library on the site in 1937. This building is now the Visitor Center. In 1966, people who cared about history formed the Keeler Tavern Preservation Society, Inc. They bought the site. Since then, it has been a museum, open for everyone to visit and learn.
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center Today
The Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) offers many programs. You can visit in person or join virtual events. They have special events and educational programs for school groups and visitors of all ages. The museum also works with other local arts and culture groups.
You can find the museum at 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA. It is right across from a large fountain designed by Cass Gilbert. This fountain is at the intersection of Routes 33 and 35.
See also
