ESSEX, Conn — After nearly 250 years, the Griswold Inn in Essex , also known as "The Gris," has earned its place as one of New England’s most storied landmarks and, some say, one of its most haunted.

Built in 1776, the same year America declared independence, the Griswold Inn has served as a refuge for sailors, shipbuilders and soldiers.

"It’s like going back in time," said Kate Savage, of the Essex Historical Society. "You can look up at the ceilings and you look at the wood beams and you can kind of envision all of the people and the different meetings and the joyous occasions. It just seems like a special place cloaked and just dripping with history."

Over the years, “The Gris” has survived wars, recessions and even the Great Depression. Co-owner Joan Paul says the inn has always f

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