Bethel in Western Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Philips Cave

— Putnam Memorial State Park —

Photographed by Michael Herrick, January 23, 2010

1. Philips Cave Marker

Inscription. Local legend says a shallow cave in this rock outcrop was used by one Mr. Philips. Philips was a soldier who returned after the war to live in this cave.
He led the life of a lonely hermit, including liberating an occasional chicken, or produce from local farmers. He was evicted by the community. Another version said he was “permanently removed!”

Erected 2009 by Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Park. (Marker Number 9.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary.

Location. 41° 20.588′ N, 73° 23.085′ W. Marker is in Bethel in Western Region, Connecticut. It can be reached from Putnam Park Road (Connecticut Route 58) near Route 107, on the right when traveling south. Located in Putnam Memorial State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Redding CT 06896, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline

and in Greater Bridgeport.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Fairfield County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Officers Quarters/Magazine (within shouting distance of this marker); Officers Quarters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barlow Circle (about 700 feet away); Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles Burr Todd (approx. 0.2 miles away);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Bake Oven and Upper Level Structures (approx. ¼ mile away); Cemetery/Command Officer’s Quarters (approx. 0.3 miles away); Company Street (Fireback Row) (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethel.

Also see . . . Putnam Memorial State Park, “Connecticut’s Valley Forge”. Park homepage. (Submitted on January 25, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed by Michael Herrick, January 23, 2010

2. Philips Cave Marker

Philips Cave image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, January 23, 2010

3. Philips Cave

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,550 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.