SOUTH OF THE PARKWAY

The area of central Greenwich located between the Merritt Parkway and Post Road is known as Greenwich's midcountry. Residences in this section of town are desirable for their tranquil countryside, central location and proximity to the downtown business district.

As the homes and businesses of central Greenwich were being built during the eighteenth century, the prosperity of the area was temporarily halted by the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775. During the seven-year war, Greenwich was a garrison town, witnessing the turmoil of battle, the destruction of farms, crops and homes and the loss of human life. On February 26, 1779, at about 9AM British troops lead by Governor Tryon arrived at Horseneck. General Israel Putnam, at Knapp's Tavern, the site of the present Putnam Cottage, saw the enemy approaching and stopped his morning shave. He was soon with his troops on the hill where the Congregational Meeting House stood. Being pursued by the British, the General sped over the frozen terrain. The brave General Putnam leaped his horse and dashed straight towards a cliff, forcing his horse down the rocky descent. His pursuers stopped in astonishment of the General's brave feat and dared not follow into his path of danger. General Putnam waved his sword at them and called back taunting words. The enemy fired their revolvers at him. One of their bullets pierced his military cap. Today the location of this famous escape is called Putnam's Hill or Put's Hill. A granite boulder monument was placed on the historic hill in 1900 to honor the General's great act of courage.

In the nineteenth century, the area from the Lake Avenue Circle to Clapboard Ridge Road was largely farms owned by the likes of the Husteds, Meads, Pecks, Bridges and Rockefellers. The family with the greatest influence on the development of central Greenwich was the Rockefellers. William Rockefeller (1841-1922), acquired land on Lake Avenue and ultimately owned 200 acres as well as the 43 acres which are now known as Deer Park. The former Rockefeller home, Robin Hill, at 200 North Maple Avenue, is the present home of Greenwich Academy's main administration building.

The Town of Greenwich has grown into an affluent community located within an hour's commute to New York City. In spite of its image of wealth, Greenwich remains home to a diverse range of people from newcomers to descendants from its historic beginnings.