Nestled in the charming Poquetanuck Village of Connecticut, Captain Grant’s Inn stands as a living testament to centuries of history and a portal to the otherworldly. With a lineage dating back to 1754, this venerable establishment has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, embracing tales of love, war, and spectral encounters.
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A Glimpse into the Past
Captain William Grant, a seafarer with a vision, erected the original structure in 1754. His enduring love for his wife, Mercy, prompted him to create a “suitable” home for her and their children. Despite Captain Grant’s eventual demise at sea, the abode remained steadfast, serving generations of Grants. Mercy herself graced its halls well into her 80s.
During the Revolutionary War, the inn found itself in the role of a garrison, sheltering soldiers of the Continental Army. Later, during the Civil War, it became a sanctuary for escaped slaves seeking refuge. The inn’s rich history continued to evolve, culminating in a significant renovation in the mid-1990s.
Today, Captain Grant’s Inn boasts a resplendent array of features, including six working fireplaces, a three-story porch, and numerous named rooms that echo its storied past. Poquetanuck’s inaugural cemetery, the final resting place of notable figures, resides peacefully behind the inn.
Three Historical Jewels
The property comprises three historical buildings, each holding a unique charm and character. “The Home,” the original structure, is an architectural masterpiece listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its stone walls, lush greenery, and timeless ambiance offer a glimpse into life in 1754.
Adjacent to the main inn stands “The Avery Home,” built in 1790 and also on the National Register of Historic Places. This residence is home to the Holly and Margaret Rooms, both graced by wood-burning fireplaces. The Holly Room boasts an inviting whirlpool tub for added luxury.
“The Stagecoach Inn,” erected in 1790, has transformed from a resting place for weary travelers into a short-term vacation rental. It can be rented by floors, catering to various accommodation needs.
The Enigmatic Hauntings
Captain Grant’s Inn is not just a repository of history; it’s also a sanctuary where the past occasionally makes its presence known. In 2003, CNN recognized it as one of the places to stay if you seek encounters with the supernatural. Media exposure on A&E’s Psychic Kids and If Walls Could Talk further solidified its reputation.
Some attribute the inn’s spectral activity to its proximity to Poquetanuck Cemetery, the village’s first burial ground. This cemetery cradles the remains of the Whipple and Gallup families, adding an extra layer of mystique.
Among the ethereal inhabitants, Mercy Adelaide Avery stands out. She haunts the inn, pining for her lost love, Captain William Grant. Adelaide has been known to mischievously pull shower curtains, flicker lights, and even appear at the foot of beds holding the hands of spectral children.
Deborah Adams, a ghostly young girl, also finds her rest in the Poquetanuck Cemetery. She’s been spotted in the Adelaide room and has a knack for making skeptics question their disbelief by walking through them.
The inn isn’t devoid of otherworldly oddities either—objects mysteriously vanish, resonant bangs echo through its corridors, and disembodied whispers fill the rooms.
Visit and Experience the Enchantment
If you’re drawn to the allure of history and the mystique of the supernatural, Captain Grant’s Inn beckons. It’s a place where history and hauntings coexist, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with the past while leaving the door slightly ajar to the unknown.
Address:
Captain Grant’s 1754
109-111 Poquetanuck Rd
Preston, CT 06365
Embark on a journey through time, where each creaking floorboard and flickering light holds the promise of uncovering secrets from the annals of Captain Grant’s Inn.
What is the history of Captain Grant’s Inn?
Captain Grant’s Inn has a rich history dating back to 1754 when it was built by Captain William Grant for his beloved wife, Mercy, and their children. Despite Captain Grant’s eventual death at sea, Mercy continued to live in the home well into her 80s, and it was passed down through three generations of Grants. The inn played various roles in American history, serving as a garrison for Continental Army soldiers during the Revolutionary War and as a sanctuary for escaped slaves during the Civil War. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved piece of history, with several historic buildings and a connection to the past that is both tangible and haunting.
What are the haunted stories associated with Captain Grant’s Inn?
Captain Grant’s Inn is famous for its paranormal activity and has been featured in media for its ghostly encounters. The most well-known spirit is Mercy Adelaide Avery, who waits in vain for her lost love, Captain William Grant. Adelaide has been seen pulling shower curtains, flickering lights, and even appearing at the foot of beds while holding the hands of spectral children. Another ghostly presence is Deborah Adams, a young girl who has been spotted in the Adelaide room and has surprised skeptics by walking through them. Other eerie occurrences include objects disappearing, loud bangs, and disembodied voices whispering throughout the rooms.
Can guests visit the historic cemetery behind Captain Grant’s Inn?
Yes, guests at Captain Grant’s Inn have the opportunity to visit the historic Poquetanuck Cemetery, which is located behind the inn. This cemetery is of historical significance as it was the first cemetery in historic Poquetanuck Village. It contains the graves of members of the Whipple and Gallup families. On October 31st, guests can take a tour of both Poquetanuck Cemetery and St. James Cemetery, located across the street from the inn. St. James Cemetery is where Mercy Adelaide Avery, the inn’s most famous spirit, is buried. Guests can explore these historic resting places and learn more about the fascinating history and hauntings associated with the area.