About the Inn
History of The Henry Sawyer Inn
The Henry Sawyer Inn was built in 1877 by Eldridge Johnson, then the treasurer of Cape May, president of the Cape May Savings and Building Association, and trustee of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Johnson purchased the property on which he built his home from Henry Sawyer, Cape May's Civil War hero, builder and proprietor of the Chalfonte Hotel, and Cape May city councilman.
Eldridge Johnson lived in this home for 33 years during his long and unique career of public leadership in Cape May.
A plaque on the inn commemorates Mr. Johnson, the inn is named for Mr. Sawyer, and rooms at the inn are named for the ladies in the Johnson & Sawyer families.
Mr. Johnson purchased the property on which he built his home from Henry Sawyer, Cape May's Civil War hero, builder and proprietor of the Chalfonte Hotel, and Cape May city councilman.
Eldridge Johnson lived in this home for 33 years during his long and unique career of public leadership in Cape May.
A plaque on the inn commemorates Mr. Johnson, the inn is named for Mr. Sawyer, and rooms at the inn are named for the ladies in the Johnson & Sawyer families.
On the inn's second floor the inn's most cherished antique is displayed: a cradle made by Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, for use in the Lincoln family home.