Essex ยท Lower CT River Valley: Essex
The Griswold Inn
Historic Hotels of America says it opened in 1776 and has had just six families as stewards.
- Built
- by 1776HHA: 'The original property opened in 1776.' The Tap Room was built in 1735 as a schoolhouse (Wikipedia). Construction dates of the buildings that hold the guest rooms are not documented in the sources read.
- Type
- Inn
- Rooms
- 34
- Area
- Lower CT River Valley: Essex
- Credentials
- Historic Hotels of America member
The story
The Griswold Inn has stood in Essex since its founding in 1776 and has been stewarded by just six families, per Historic Hotels of America. HHA says British mariners commandeered the inn during the War of 1812, and rumrunners kept spirits flowing there during Prohibition. Its Tap Room was built in 1735 as a schoolhouse, and the inn was used as a filming location for the soap opera Dark Shadows (Wikipedia). Monday sea-chantey nights in the Tap Room are a long-running tradition (inn). The inn joined Historic Hotels of America in 2026.
Good to know
- Address: 36 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426
Sources (4)
Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.