Daniel Benton Homestead

The Daniel Benton Homestead is a colonial-era house in Tolland built in 1720 with ten rooms and five fireplaces arranged throughout its Cape Cod-style structure. The spacious cellar beneath the building is part of the architectural design that defines the original construction.

The house was built in 1720 during the early colonial period and was later used as a detention site during the American Revolution in 1777. After the British defeat at Saratoga, American forces held Hessian officers who had surrendered at this location.

The house shows how a prosperous family shaped their daily life here across generations. The way rooms are arranged reveals how people of that time organized work and family within the household.

The property is located in Tolland along Metcalf Road and can be toured, though advance contact with staff is necessary to arrange a visit. It helps to check access conditions and timing before planning a trip.

While held captive, the Hessian officers carved intricate patterns and scrollwork into the cellar beams, marks that remain visible to this day. These carvings offer visitors a personal glimpse into the lives of the imprisoned soldiers.