History of the Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College
Like an intricately woven tapestry, the history of the Hanover Inn reflects the growth and changes of the College. Eleven years after Dartmouth was founded in 1769 via a charter granted by King George III, General Ebenezer Brewster arrived in Hanover to accept a position as the College steward. His home occupied the present site of the Inn. An enterprising Connecticut Yankee, General Brewster redesigned his home in 1780 and converted it into a tavern. One historian notes that his new enterprise was "not altogether, it would seem, to the gratification of the College authorities." However, business flourished; and in 1813 General Brewster's son, Amos, had the tavern moved to another site and initiated construction of a much larger building (he accomplished this by first inducing his father to take an extended trip!).
The larger structure became known as the Dartmouth Hotel, and it housed both the permanent residents and transients. Two years later the Wheelock Hotel was erected, and in 1901 the College began an extensive two-year reconstruction and remodeling of the facility. Upon its completion, the new building was named the Hanover Inn. Since that time, the history of the Inn has been one of continual growth and expansion. In 1924 an East Wing was added, providing an additional 48 rooms for a total of 92. Exterior expansion, including an outdoor dining terrace and landscaping, was initiated in 1939. The Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College will offer 108 distinctive guest rooms, two restaurants, multiple meeting facilities, complete custom wedding services and a full-service catering department. As the only accommodation on the Dartmouth College Campus, the Inn enjoys continued prosperity and opportunity to serve its guests. Dining choices include The Daniel Webster Room; an elegant fine dining restaurant offering contemporary regional cuisine and Zins wine bistro; featuring over thirty wines by the glass. During the summer, an outdoor Terrace allows guests al fresco dining at the best seat in Hanover, overlooking the Baker Tower. The Inn is interconnected to the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts and the Hood Museum, offering guests simple access as well as close proximity to the multiple attractions and adventures offered by the Upper Valley Region. The Wine Spectator has given our wine list “an award of excellence” since 1993; we are featured in Pamela Lanier’s, “Elegant Small Hotels – A Connoisseur’s Guide” and in Conde Nast Traveler’s 50 Top All-American Getaways.
Today, The Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College is renowned for delivering gracious service, timeless elegance and personalized amenities immersed in the Ivy League tradition.
