National Register Listing

Stonington Harbor Lighthouse

a.k.a. Old Lighthouse Museum

7 Water St., Stonington, CT
Local significance of the building:
Engineering; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

engineering transportation architecture lighthouses water
The city of Hartford, Connecticut was the site of the first-ever insurance company in the United States. The Hartford Fire Insurance Company was founded in 1810.
Connecticut random facts
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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.