The Stanton-Davis Homestead
The oldest home in Stonington, Connecticut, this homestead was built by Thomas Stanton circa 1670. Thomas was one of the four founders of Stonington, as stated on the Founders Monument in the Wequetequock Burial Ground (Founders Cemetery). This home is unique; besides being the oldest house in Stonington, it retains many of its original furnishings along with the tools required in the 18th and 19th centuries. The home has been in the same family for 11 generations, and the farm has been worked every year since 1654. Today the homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Stanton-Davis Homestead holds a unique place in American history as a touch-stone for three different cultures: Native Indians, European colonists, and African slaves. Through the Stanton family in early Colonial New England, important representives of these three peoples lived in or visited this house: chiefs of Indian tribes, most notably Uncas of the Mohegans; African slaves, including Venture Smith who bought his own freedom; and of course the Stantons and the Davises themselves.
In the next few years, we are going to see this wonderul and historically important homestead undergo major renovation and become a premier museum, open to the public.
