A Living Legend, Still Evolving
The Equinox Story
For more than two and a half centuries, The Equinox has been a defining part of life in New England and proudly holds the distinction of being home to Vermont’s oldest hotel. Since its beginnings in 1769, the property has played host to American Revolutionaries, welcomed U.S. presidents, and served generations of guests drawn to the beauty and history of Manchester.
Revolutionary Beginnings
Originally known as Marsh Tavern, Vermont’s first hotel, the property served as a gathering place for the local Council of Safety and an important meeting point during the American Revolution. It was here that Ira Allen, younger brother of Ethan Allen, proposed confiscating the property of Tories to raise funds for the Green Mountain Boys. After owner William Marsh declared his allegiance to the British, Marsh House became the first property to be seized.
Soon after, Thaddeus Munson purchased the tavern and reopened it as Thaddeus Munson’s New Inn. Over the years, the inn changed ownership and names several times, becoming Widow Black’s Inn, Vanderlip’s Hotel, the Taconic, and the Orvis Hotel. In 1839, owner Martin Vanderlip added the distinctive fluted columns to the front of the building, architectural details that remain a hallmark of The Equinox today.
In 1853, the 200-room Equinox House, the predecessor to today’s resort, was established. The north wing of the inn was originally the Orvis family homestead, and its historic fireplace continues to welcome guests in the Chop House restaurant today.
Presidential Connections
Throughout its long history, The Equinox has welcomed many distinguished guests, including Presidents William Howard Taft, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, who delivered a campaign speech on the front lawn, and Benjamin Harrison, as well as Vice President James S. Sherman.
In the summer of 1864, Mary Todd Lincoln visited The Equinox with her two sons. She enjoyed her stay so much that she made plans to return the following year with President Abraham Lincoln. A special suite was prepared for the presidential visit, but those plans were tragically halted by the president’s assassination on April 14, 1865. Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, remained fond of the area and later built his nearby summer estate, Hildene, just down the road.
