Leffingwell Inn facts for kids
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Leffingwell Inn
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Leffingwell Inn in 1961
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 348 Washington St., Norwich, Connecticut |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1675 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Saltbox |
| Part of | Norwichtown Historic District (ID730019751) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000728 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1970 |
| Designated CP | January 17, 1973 |
The Leffingwell Inn (now called the Leffingwell House Museum) is a very old building in Norwich, Connecticut. It is located in the Norwichtown area. The first part of the building was built in 1675. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in all of Connecticut!
This historic inn was an important meeting spot during the American Revolutionary War. Many important discussions happened here. Today, the Leffingwell Inn is a museum. It helps us learn about the past. The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Contents
Explore the Leffingwell Inn's History
The Leffingwell Inn is found just south of Town and Washington Streets. It is a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. The inn was built in different stages over many years.
How the Inn Grew Over Time
The very first part of the inn, the northeast corner, was built in 1675. A man named Stephen Backus built this original section. Later, Thomas Leffingwell 2nd started the inn. He was the son of one of Norwich's founders.
Over the next 100 years, the inn changed a lot. It was made bigger several times. Today, it looks like two saltbox houses joined together at a corner. A saltbox house has a long, sloping roof on one side.
Special Features of the Old Inn
The inn has many cool features from the 1700s. You can see old casement windows. These windows open like doors. There is also wooden paneling on the walls. The inn has several kitchen fireplaces. This shows how the building grew over time. Each new section might have added another kitchen.
Most of the changes in the 1700s were made by Benajah and Christopher Leffingwell. Christopher not only ran the inn but also started other businesses. He opened Norwich's first paper mill. He also had a factory that made stockings.
A Meeting Place for Revolution
The Leffingwell Inn was very important during the American Revolutionary War. It was a popular place for people to meet and talk. They would discuss plans for the war. Today, a local historical society owns the inn. They keep it as a museum for everyone to visit.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in New London County, Connecticut
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
- List of the oldest buildings in Connecticut
