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Connecticut played a key role in the Underground Railroad, which was a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Connecticut, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, provided assistance to escaped slaves.
About New London County
New London County Timeline
New London County, Connecticut has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 17th century. It was originally home to several Native American tribes, including the Pequots and Mohegans, who thrived in the fertile lands along the Thames River and Long Island Sound. The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1630s, establishing trading posts and forming alliances with the Native American tribes.
In 1646, New London was officially founded and soon became an important center for maritime trade and commerce. The town grew rapidly throughout the 18th century, attracting merchants, shipbuilders, and sailors from around the world. It played a significant role in the American Revolution as a hub for privateers, who were privately owned ships that were authorized to attack enemy vessels. New London was also a major port for the whaling industry, with numerous ships departing from its shores in search of valuable whale oil.
During the 19th century, New London County continued to prosper as a maritime center. It was a major hub for the shipping and shipbuilding industry, with many shipyards along the Thames River. The county also played a crucial role in the development of submarine warfare, as the United States Navy established the Naval Submarine Base in Groton in 1868. This base has since become the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
In the 20th century, New London County experienced significant changes in its economic landscape. While the maritime industry declined, the county diversified its economy by attracting manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Today, New London County remains an important center for education, with several colleges and universities located in the area. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty continue to attract tourists and visitors from around the world.
In 1646, New London was officially founded and soon became an important center for maritime trade and commerce. The town grew rapidly throughout the 18th century, attracting merchants, shipbuilders, and sailors from around the world. It played a significant role in the American Revolution as a hub for privateers, who were privately owned ships that were authorized to attack enemy vessels. New London was also a major port for the whaling industry, with numerous ships departing from its shores in search of valuable whale oil.
During the 19th century, New London County continued to prosper as a maritime center. It was a major hub for the shipping and shipbuilding industry, with many shipyards along the Thames River. The county also played a crucial role in the development of submarine warfare, as the United States Navy established the Naval Submarine Base in Groton in 1868. This base has since become the primary East Coast homeport for the Navy's fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
In the 20th century, New London County experienced significant changes in its economic landscape. While the maritime industry declined, the county diversified its economy by attracting manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Today, New London County remains an important center for education, with several colleges and universities located in the area. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty continue to attract tourists and visitors from around the world.
New London County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of New London County, Connecticut.
- 1614 - Dutch explorer Adriaen Block visits the area that would later become New London County.
- 1646 - English colonists establish the town of New London.
- 1662 - The Connecticut Colony grants New London County its charter.
- 1692 - The town of Stonington is incorporated.
- 1784 - The city of Norwich is incorporated.
- 1786 - The town of Groton is incorporated.
- 1848 - The city of New London is incorporated.
- 1869 - The city of Norwich becomes the county seat.
- 1951 - The Naval Submarine Base New London is established in Groton.