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Journey back in time to Waterford, Connecticut, USA

Explore Waterford, Connecticut, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Waterford, Connecticut, USA - Waterford, Connecticut, USA - Pleasure Beach Breakwater, Waterford, Conn.

Waterford’s main industry for most of its history was granite. Stone from Waterford quarries can be found in the Statue of Liberty’s base and at Fort Sumter.

courant.com

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Waterford Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Waterford, Connecticut, USA - Pleasure Beach Breakwater, Waterford, Conn.
Waterford, Connecticut, USA

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Pleasure Beach Breakwater, Waterford, Conn.
Waterford, Connecticut, USA - Vie at Home Nook, Waterford, Conn.
Waterford, Connecticut, USA

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Vie at Home Nook, Waterford, Conn.
Waterford, Connecticut, USA - Oswenatchie House and Cottages, Waterford, Conn.
Waterford, Connecticut, USA

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Oswenatchie House and Cottages, Waterford, Conn.

"...the Oswegatchie Colony, a summer resort area for the rich and playful that started to become popular in the mid-to-late 1800’s. The Oswegatchie House, the best known of the Colony’s hotels, took its name from the nearby quarry; it began as a boarding house for quarry workers. There is no mention, in the descriptions of boating and tennis and visits by President Woodrow Wilson and dancing at the casino which opened in 1915, of how the quarry itself came by the name..." patch.com / connecticut/ waterford/ oswegatchie

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to WATERFORD

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CONNECTICUT Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History

Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

SAVIN ROCK, CT Memories - Vintage Amusement Park Connecticut Postcards Ceramic Mug

Take a nostalgic trip to Connecticut’s beloved Savin Rock amusement park with this charming ceramic mug. Featuring vintage-inspired images and iconic landmarks, it’s perfect for reminiscing about summer days, family outings, and the golden age of amusement parks.

CONNECTICUT Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition

Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.

Discover Waterford: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1801 - (Waterford, CT) - The community incorporated from New London in 1801.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ waterford/
1819 - Waterford
Waterford is a maritime township, situated on Long Island sound, 4 miles from the city of New-London, and 37 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Montville, on the east by New-London and the Thames, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Lyme. Its average length is 7 miles, and its average breadth 5 miles, comprising an area of 35 square miles.

The surface is uneven, being diversified with hill and dale; the soil is a gravelly loam...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819
1836 - Waterford
WATERFORD was formerly included within the limits of New London. It was incorpo ed as a distinct town in 1801. It is bounded N. by Montville, W. by byrne, E. by New London and the Thames, on the S. by Long island sound. Its average length is 7 miles, and its average breadth about live miles. Its surface is uneven and the soil a gravelly loam, better adapted to grazing than grain, of which there is little cultivated, excepting Indian corn. There ate two woolen factories in the town.

There are three houses for public worship in this town, all of which are for the Baptist denomination; one of which is for the Seventh day Baptists so called, from their observing Saturday, the Jewish sabbath, instead of the first day.

The following is from Backus' history of the Baptists, vol. 1, published in Boston in 1777.

"A new sect came out from among the Baptists about this time, who have caused not a little trouble to themselves and others, of whom 1 have collected the following brief... Read MORE...

1839 - Waterford
Waterford, Connecticut
New London county. This town was taken from New London, in 1801. It is washed on the east side by the river Thames; and on the south by Long Island Sound, from which a bay or inlet extends, between Millstone and Black Points, quite into the centre of the town, affording a harbor for small vessels. This is a resort for fishermen on the Sound, and many species of the finny tribe are taken captive.

There are a number of ponds in the town, three considerable mill streams, and two woolen factories. The surface of the town is rocky and uneven, with a gravelly loam, productive of corn, vegetables, fruits, and feed for cattle. In 1837 it contained 2,582 sheep.

Waterford lies 37 miles S.E. from Hartford and 4 W. from New London. Population, 1830, 2,463.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Waterford
Waterford, a post-village in New London co., Connecticut, near the const, and on the New Haven and New London railroad, 44 miles E. by N. from New Haven. Population of the township, 2259.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1869 - A Rev. House married a Rev. Noon to a Miss Cook, at the residence of Philo Gates, on June 29, at Waterford, Conn.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 14, 1869
1906
Waterford, a post-village of New London co., Conn. in Waterford township (town), on Long Island Sound and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 3 miles SW. of New London. It has granite-industries. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2904; of the village, about 300.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Waterford has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this lovely town:
Harkness Memorial State Park:

Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of this waterfront estate.
Picnic by the Mansion or take a leisurely stroll through the expansive lawns.
Enjoy the scenic views of Long Island Sound.

Ocean Beach Park:

Spend a day at the beach enjoying the sun, sand, and waves.
Take a walk on the boardwalk and try the classic boardwalk treats.
Ocean Beach Park also hosts events and concerts during the summer.

Eugene O'Neill Theater Center:

If you're a fan of theater, check out the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.
It's a prestigious institution that has nurtured many plays and musicals.

Waterford Beach Park:

Another great spot for beach lovers, with a more low-key atmosphere.
Ideal for a relaxing day with family or friends.

Jordan Village:

Wander through this historic village known for its charming shops and boutiques.
Discover unique items, antiques, and local crafts.

New London Ledge Light:

Take a boat tour to see the iconic... Read MORE...

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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Waterford, Connecticut, USA

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Ancestors Who Were Married in Waterford, Connecticut, USA

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Updated: 10/8/2023 2:51:55 PM