FeedGeorge's Way
By Mike Lauterborn
Did George Washington stay in Fairfield when he passed through?
According to Fairfield Museum and History Center coordinator Walter Matis, Washington did indeed visit Fairfield, and spent the night, but the debate continues as to where he stayed. In his diary, Washington wrote that he stopped in Fairfield while on a trip through New England, traveling northeast from Norwalk. The October 16, 1789, entry states: “From hence to Fairfield where we dined and lodged, is 12 miles; and part of it is very rough Road, but not equal to that thro’ horse neck.” Sun Tavern (also known as Penfield’s after its owner Sam Penfield), located on the Town Green and managed by the History Center, is the most likely site. However, there was another tavern, the Bulkley (named after proprietor Jonathan Bulkley), which abutted Penfield’s property along Beach Road that could easily have been the site as well. Washington was also friendly with the Burr family and with Gold Sellack Silliman, a brigadier general during the American Revolution, and may very well have lodged at one of their homes. Matis promised to keep his nose to the trail and report any new leads! So, yes, he did sleep here, but not sure precisely where.
