Home USA Northeast

Visiting Historic Stonington, Connecticut
Rate it! Votes (1) | Comments (0) By Cheri Sicard Photos: Cheri Sicard Posted August 6th, 2007 FabulousFoods.com Recommends: Frommer's New England's Best-Loved Driving Tours (Best Loved Driving Tours), by British Automobile Association, (2007, Frommer's)	Frommer's New England's Best-Loved Driving Tours (Best Loved Driving Tours)

STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT, USA -- The maritime history in the Mystic, Connecticut area goes far beyond the borders of Mystic Seaport and into the nearby town of Stonington.

First settled in 1649 by settlers leaving the Plymouth colony, Stonington began life as a farming community, but came to be a major force in the whaling, sealing and ship building industries. Twice - during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, Stonington's militia was able to stave off British naval attacks. In the 19th century, the town thrived as a railroad and steamboat terminus between Boston and New York and later became a center of industry. But regardless of the many changes the Stonington has seen throughout its long history, the fishing fleet has always been important, as it continues to be today.

Tree lined village streets lined with historic houses preserve Stonington's heritage for today's generations. In addition, the Stonington historical society maintains two fascinating museums that, through their exhibits, transport visitors back to the town's earlier days.

The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, a 16-room Victorian mansion and a national historic landmark, was built in 1852 by two seafaring brothers, Captains Nathaniel B. and Alexander S. Palmer. Once threatened by demolition, the magnificent house was bought by the historical society in 1994 and lovingly restored to its former glory. If the name Nathaniel Palmer sounds familiar, its because he is the man who discovered Antarctica. Artifacts of these expeditions along with other memorabilia of the sea captains' fascinating adventurous lives fill the rooms of the mansion, which sits perched atop a high rise of ground overlooking the upper end of Stonington harbor. In addition to hosting scores of maritime enthusiasts, the home also serves as an elegant wedding and private event location.

As does the historical society's other property, the Old Lighthouse Museum. Its sweeping lawn, terminating at the water's edge, makes a scenic backdrop for outdoor summertime parties. Inside the lighthouse, Connecticut's first government lighthouse, visitors can climb the original 30 foot stone tower and view of exhibits of early life in Stonington. Especially intriguing are artifacts from Stonington's whaling days. You'll marvel at the astounding tenacity and bravery of New England's early inhabitants. It was a harsh environment and survival was constant hard work and struggle.

The Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House is located at 40 Palmer St. in Stonington, Ctablespoons 06378. Call 860-535-8445. Find the Old Lighthouse Museum at 7 Water St. (same zip code). Call 860-535-1440. Visit the Stonington Historical Society website at www.stoningtonhistory.org.

There are no comments for this item

Be the first to leave a comment

You must be a registered member to leave a comment. So why not sign up now?