Founders' Monument

For residents of Greenwich, Connecticut, the Founders' Monument, prominently situated at the intersection of East Putnam Avenue and Maple Avenue, serves as a poignant reminder of the town's deep historical roots. More than just a "park" in the traditional sense, this significant landmark is a small, triangular parcel of land dedicated to commemorating the courageous men and women who established the first settlement of the Town of Greenwich. It's a place where history quite literally meets the present, offering a moment of reflection amidst the daily hustle and bustle of one of Connecticut's most vibrant communities.

The Founders' Monument is a tribute to Greenwich's origins, standing as a silent witness to centuries of local development and change. It serves as a visual touchstone, reminding us of the town's pioneering spirit and its enduring connection to the broader narrative of Connecticut's colonial past. For locals, it's a place to pause, to remember, and to feel a deeper connection to the place they call home. While not a recreational park in the conventional sense, its historical significance and central location make it an important public space that enriches the cultural landscape of Greenwich.

The Founders' Monument is uniquely and centrally located at the intersection of East Putnam Avenue (U.S. Route 1) and Maple Avenue in Greenwich, CT 06830, USA. This highly visible and accessible placement ensures that it's a landmark frequently passed by residents and visitors alike, making it a natural point of interest within the town.

Its position on a major thoroughfare like East Putnam Avenue, also known as the Boston Post Road, means it's incredibly easy to reach by car. While the monument itself occupies a small triangular area, it's typically surrounded by street parking options on adjacent roads, though availability may vary during peak hours. Given its direct location at an intersection, visitors driving by will find it hard to miss.

For those utilizing public transportation, the Founders' Monument is also quite accessible. Greenwich is served by NJ Transit and Metro-North Railroad, with the Greenwich train station on the New Haven Line being a significant hub. From the train station, the monument is a short distance, potentially walkable or a quick ride via local taxi or rideshare services. Furthermore, CT Transit bus routes operate along East Putnam Avenue, with stops conveniently located within a very short walking distance of the monument. This excellent connectivity ensures that residents from various parts of Greenwich and surrounding areas can easily visit this historical landmark, making it a truly accessible piece of the town's heritage.

The Founders' Monument, as a commemorative site rather than a recreational park, offers services that are primarily focused on historical remembrance, public access, and quiet reflection. It's designed to inform and honor, rather than to provide active recreational facilities.

• Historical Commemoration: The primary service of the Founders' Monument is to commemorate the founding of the Town of Greenwich in the Connecticut Colony on July 18, 1640. It serves as a permanent tribute to the original settlers and proprietors, ensuring their legacy is remembered.

• Informational Display: The monument typically features an inscription listing the names of the courageous men who founded the settlement (Everardus Bogardus, John Bowers, Robert Feaks, Jeffre Ferris, Angell Husted, Robert Husted, Andrew Messenger, Daniel Patrick, Robert Williams, and John Winkelman), as well as a list of 27 proprietors from 1672. This provides direct historical information to visitors.

• Public Observation Point: Its open-air location at a prominent intersection allows for easy public observation and interaction. Visitors can approach the monument, read the inscriptions, and quietly reflect on the historical significance of the site.

• Educational Resource: The monument serves as an informal outdoor educational resource. For students and history enthusiasts, it provides a tangible link to Greenwich's colonial past and can be a starting point for further exploration of local history.

• Civic and Ceremonial Venue: While not typically used for large-scale public events, the monument's nature as a commemorative site makes it suitable for small civic ceremonies, memorial services, or historical gatherings, particularly on dates related to the town's founding.

The Founders' Monument, while small in scale, possesses several key features and highlights that underscore its significance and appeal to locals in Greenwich.

• Commemorative Inscription: The central feature is the detailed inscription on the monument itself. It lists the names of the nine founders from 1640 and the 27 proprietors from 1672, providing a direct and tangible connection to the individuals who shaped Greenwich's earliest days. This list is a powerful reminder of the town's origins.

• Prime Historical Location: The monument's placement at the intersection of East Putnam Avenue (a historic post road) and Maple Avenue is a significant highlight. This central and highly visible location ensures that it remains a focal point for understanding Greenwich's historical narrative, easily accessible and frequently passed by residents.

• Daughters of the American Colonists (DAC) Dedication: The monument was erected in 1935 by the Angell Husted Chapter of the Daughters of the American Colonists. This highlights its connection to a lineage organization dedicated to preserving colonial history, adding another layer of historical authenticity and civic pride.

• Symbol of Town Identity: For many Greenwich residents, the Founders' Monument serves as a powerful symbol of town identity and heritage. It encapsulates the community's long and rich history, fostering a sense of continuity and pride in its origins.

• Proximity to Other Historical Sites: The monument is located in a historically rich part of Greenwich, often within close proximity to other significant landmarks. For instance, the Putnam Cottage, a Revolutionary War site, is nearby, allowing for a broader historical exploration of the area on foot.

• Lest We Forget Sentiment: As one reviewer aptly put it, "Lest we forget..." The monument's presence encourages contemplation of the past, serving as a quiet but powerful reminder of the efforts and sacrifices of earlier generations that built the foundation of modern Greenwich.

As a public historical monument managed by the Town of Greenwich, the Founders' Monument does not offer commercial promotions, discounts, or sales. Its purpose is commemorative and educational, providing free public access to a piece of Greenwich's history.

However, the "special offers" of the Founders' Monument come in the form of its inherent public value and potential for community engagement:

• Free Historical Education: The monument provides free, 24/7 access to a significant piece of local history. It's an outdoor classroom where anyone can learn about the town's founders and its colonial origins, without any admission fee.

• Self-Guided Historical Exploration: It serves as an excellent starting point for a self-guided historical tour of central Greenwich. Given its proximity to other historical sites like Putnam Cottage, visitors can combine a visit to the monument with further exploration of the town's rich past, all at their own pace and without cost.

• Civic Observances: While not a daily occurrence, the monument is a natural focal point for civic observances, particularly around July 18th, Greenwich's official Founders Day. These events, often organized by local historical societies or civic groups, are free and offer a chance for the community to come together and celebrate its heritage.

• Photo Opportunities: The monument, with its historical significance and central location, provides a unique backdrop for photography, allowing locals and visitors to capture their connection to Greenwich's history.

To learn about any community events, historical talks, or walking tours that might incorporate or highlight the Founders' Monument, locals are encouraged to:

• Visit the official Town of Greenwich website, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department or local historical society sections (e.g., greenwichct.gov or greenwichhistory.org).

• Check local community calendars, newsletters, or online event listings for Greenwich.

• Contact the Greenwich Historical Society directly, as they are often involved in educational initiatives related to the town's founding.

These resources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on opportunities to engage with the history represented by the Founders' Monument.

For inquiries regarding the Founders' Monument, as it is a public historical landmark managed by the Town of Greenwich, the best points of contact are through the relevant municipal departments or historical organizations.

Address:

Founders' Monument

E Putnam Ave & Maple Ave

Greenwich, CT 06830, USA

For administrative inquiries related to the maintenance or historical aspects of public monuments and parks, the main address for the Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department is:

Town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department

Town Hall

101 Field Point Road

Greenwich, CT 06830

Phone:

For direct communication regarding town parks or historical markers, you can contact the Greenwich Parks and Recreation Department:

(203) 622-7817 (Main Parks & Recreation Line)

For more specific historical inquiries or information on related events, you may also consider contacting the Greenwich Historical Society:

Greenwich Historical Society Phone: (203) 869-6899

These contacts are best equipped to provide detailed information about the monument, its historical significance, or any related community activities.

The Founders' Monument is uniquely suitable for locals in Greenwich, Connecticut, serving as a powerful and accessible symbol of the town's rich historical identity. While it may not offer playgrounds or vast green spaces for active recreation, its profound historical significance and central location make it an invaluable local asset.

For residents, the monument is a tangible link to the past, a place where the founding story of Greenwich comes to life. It provides a daily reminder of the courage and foresight of the early settlers, fostering a deep sense of pride and connection to their hometown. This historical rootedness is a defining characteristic of Greenwich, and the monument helps to preserve and communicate that essence.

Its placement at a busy intersection means it’s easily integrated into daily routines – a quick glance while driving by, a thoughtful pause during a walk. This constant, subtle presence keeps Greenwich's history alive and relevant in the modern era. Moreover, for those interested in exploring the town's heritage, the monument serves as an ideal starting point for walking tours that can encompass nearby Revolutionary War sites like Putnam Cottage, offering a rich educational experience right in their own backyard. In essence, the Founders' Monument is more than just a stone structure; it’s a cherished emblem of Greenwich’s origins, providing a quiet space for reflection and a profound connection to the community’s enduring legacy for all who call this beautiful Connecticut town home.

Founders' Monument

E Putnam Ave &, Maple Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830, USA