Historic Sites of New London, Connecticut

Antientest Burial Ground 1652
Between Hempstead & Huntington Streets

Ye Antientest Burial Ground between Hempstead and Huntington Streets just outside of downtown New London was set aside for burial in 1652 and many of the early settlers, several of whom played important roles in this country's history, are interred there. Also in the cemetery are some of the oldest-known graves of early Black colonists. It was maintained by the town until 1793 and families owning plots continued to use it until 1845. As were many ancient cemeteries, this one was situated on a hill providing a scenic view for the resting souls. Benedict Arnold is said to have stood at this high elevation during the Revolution in 1781 to watch his British troops conquer Fort Griswold in Groton across the river and then burn New London.

City Pier
See ferries, submarines, Coast Guard ships, fishing & sail boats on Thames River. Picnic tables. Located Behind RR Station

Fort Trumbull State Park 1839-1850>
Built on site of Revolutionary War fortifications. Named after Gov Jonathan Trumbull. Block House is all that remains from that period. The mid-19th century structure now there, the third to be built, is polygonal with massive granite walls. Spectacular views. Obelisk on opposite shore is at Fort Griswold, site of major Revolutionary War battle. Fort open daily 10a-4p, guided tours Sat-Sun 10a-noon, thru Labor Day. Grounds open 8A to sunset. Fishing pier open 24 hrs year round. Public restrooms

DIRECTIONS: South on Eugene O'Neill to end. Left on Tilley, right at light. At next light, left on Howard. Go under RR trestle to Walbach St

Hempsted Houses 17th/18thC
Joshua Hempsted House (1678/1728) & the Nathaniel Hempsted House (1758). Intersections of Hempstead, Jay, Truman & Coit Streets, 860-443-7949

The Joshua Hempsted House is the oldest house in New London and one of the few remaining 17th century houses in the state. Hempsteds lived in the house until 1937. It is now owned and operated by the Antiquarian and Landmarks society of Connecticut.

These are two important survivals of colonial New England. The Johsua Hempsted House is one of the oldest documented frame buildings in North America.

The property was once on the shore of Bream Cove, which has been filled in. Careful restoration and original furnishings allow you to step back in time to when New London was a leading seaport.

Documentation suggests that the houses played a role in freeing slaves and they are listed on the sites of Connecticut's Underground Railroad that are open to the public.

Lighthouse Inn, 1902
6 Guthrie Place, New London, 860-443-8411
Built by Charles S. Guthrie, a steel magnate, as country home called Meadow Court. An inn since 1927. The National Trust for Historic Preservaton has designated it as an Historic Hotel of America, the only one in Connecticut.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (3.5 mile): South on Eugene O'Neill to end. Left on Tilley, right at light. At next light, left on Howard. Around rotary under railroad trestle & right onto Pequot. (Follow signs to Ocean Beach). After passing a lighthouse on left, Guthrie Place third street on right. Look for signs to Inn.

Monte Cristo Cottage
325 Pequot Avenue, New London, 860-443-0051
Boyhood home of Eugene O'Neill, only United States playwright to win Nobel Prize and the setting for two of his famous plays. The Monte Cristo Cottage, a Registered National Landmark, is owned and operated by the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center located in nearby Waterford.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (2 miles): South on Eugene O'Neill Drive to end. Left on Tilley, right at light. At next light, left on Howard. Around rotary, under railroad trestle & right onto Pequot. (Follow signs) Cottage is on right after Fred's Shanty. It's set back so look carefully.

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse
Union Plaza at the foot of State Street
Original located at the corner of Union and State Streets in New London. It has since been moved and now sits on the Parade (Union Plaza) at the foot of State Street across from Union Railroad Station. It can be viewed only from the outside.

Nathan Hale, who was hanged as a spy September 22, 1776, by the British during our Revolutionary War, was teaching here when he enlisted. He was an officer in the Connecticut militia and took part in the seige of Boston before volunteering for the dangerous mission of getting information about the British on Long Island.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (2 blocks): Walk toward river on Golden Street. Turn left on Bank Street. Walk straight ahead to Schoolhouse.

N. L. Superior Courthouse, 1784
Top of State Street
The oldest continuously used courthouse in the country.

DIRECTIONS: North 1 block on Eugene O'Neill to State. Turn left. (.3 mile)

N. L. Landmarks Office, ca 1796
49 Washington Street. 442-0003
Mon, Tue, Wed, 9-noon

DIRECTIONS: Follow directions to Starr Street. Walk to end. On left across Washington Street.

N. L. Ledge Lighthouse 1909
Visible from lower end of Pequot Ave.
In Long Island Sound at mouth of Thames River. Originally called Southwest Ledge Lighthouse. Unique French Second Empire style.

N. L. Harbor Lighthouse 1801
May be viewed from Pequot Ave.
Also known as Pequot Lighthouse. Originally built in 1760, the fourth lighthouse to be built in America. On private property but can be viewed from Pequot Ave. About 3.5 miles from downtown.

N. L. Public Library 1890
Top of State Street 860-447-1411
Designed in style of 19th century architect Henry H. Richardson. Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge of Boston were the architects. Shepley was Richardson's son-in-law and his firm was the successor to that of the famous 19th century architect, who designed many prominent buildings including New London's Union Railroad Station at the bottom of State Street. In the 1970s, a large addition was added to the library to accommodate growing use. The old building contains an extensive genealogical library.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (5 blocks): Walk north one block on Eugene O'Neill Drive, left on State Street to top.

Old Town Mill, 1650
8 Mill Street, New London

DIRECTIONS: South 1 block on Eugene O'Neill Drive. Left & left again onto Bank Street. Right at end of Bank & left in front of RR Station. Right at second light & left at next one. Mill on right under bridge. (1 mile)

Pequot Chapel, 1871
857 Montauk Avenue, New London
Ecclesiastical Gothic Revival style. Nonsectarian services in summer. (3 miles)

Robert Mills US Custom House & Museum, 1833 150 Bank Street, New London, CT 860-447-2501
A museum of American Maritime History and still home to the oldest continuously operating U. S. Custom House in the country. Museum operated by the New London Maritime Society. Robert Mills was the first Federal architect. The New London City Council at the time set this goal for the architect: "The new Custom House would be New London's ornament on the waterfront." It is a classic Greek Revivial granite building. It was to this building that the slave ship, the Amistad, was first brought and it was here that the first steps were taken to free the slaves who had taken over that ship.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (2 blocks): Walk toward river on Golden Street & go right on Bank Street.

Shaw-Perkins Mansion,1756
Bank & Blinman Streets, 860-443-1209
Headquarters of The New London County Historical Society, Inc. The house is open to the public for tours Wednesday to Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Yes! George Washington did sleep here on the second of his two visits to New London. On his first visit to New London, he was an officer in the British Army. The second time, when he stayed at the Shaw Mansion, he was commanding Americans who had taken up arms against the British. The bed he slept in is no longer in the mansion, but the table he ate at is. The mansion also served as Connecticut's Naval Office during the Revolution.

The house was built for Captain Nathaniel Shaw, a wealthy shipowner and trader. There are lovely grounds and period gardens. An 1780 Gazebo stands at a high point and just below it is an old root cellar. In addition to antiques, paintings, clothing, and period pieces, the mansion contains extensive genealogical records and is open to researchers by appointment.

DIRECTIONS FROM INFORMATION STATION (3/10ths mile): Walk toward river on Golden Street, go right on Bank. Mansion just after fire station

Soldiers & Sailors Monument, 1896
Across from Union Station on Union Plaza

Starr Street, 19th Century Houses
Greek Revival houses (privately owned) laid out in 1835 on site of a ropewalk.

DIRECTIONS: South 2 blocks on Eugene O'Neill Dive.

Trolley Waiting Station, 1893
Eugene O'Neill Drive at Golden Street, 860-444-7264 Served as a waiting place for trolley passengers up until mid-1930s at the Cedar Grove cemetery on Broad Street. Restored & moved to present site in 1995 as New London Visitor Information Station. Maps & brochures on door at all times.

DIRECTIONS TO INFORMATION STATION: Walking from the Transportation Center (ferry terminal, bus station, or railroad station): At Union Station walk up State St. one block to Bank St. Go left on Bank one block. Go right on Golden one block to Information Station.

Union Railroad Station, 1888
Foot of State Street.
Designed by 19th century architect Henry Hobson Richardson.

DIRECTIONS: Walk toward river on Golden Street to Bank Street. Cross Bank. Go left to end then right.

Whale Oil Row, 1832 Houses
Huntington Street just beyond Gov Winthrop Boulevard.
Four privately owned Greek Revival houses built by whale oil merchants or captains.

DIRECTIONS: Driving: South on Eugene O'Neill Drive to end. Right on Tilley Street. Go up hill on Huntington Street. Houses just beyond 2nd traffic light. Walking: North 1 block on Eugene O'Neill Drive. Left on State Street to top. Right onto Huntington Street. Houses just beyond Gov. Winthrop Boulevard. (.5 mile)