History of Haddam, Connecticut, USA

1668 - (Haddam, CT) - Incorporated in October of 1668, Haddam is the only town in Connecticut divided by the Connecticut River.
It contains five villages – Hidden Lake, Higganum, Shailerville, and Tylerville on the west side of the river, and Haddam Neck on the east.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ haddam/

1819 - Haddam
Haddam is a post township, situated upon the west side of the Connecticut river, 8 miles from Middletown, and 23 from Hartford.

The tract of land between Middletown and Saybrook, embracing this township, was originally called the lands at Thirty mile Island, from the Island in Connecticut river of that name, (now Lord's Island,) north of the centre of the tract which was then thought to be 30 miles from its mouth, or the bar. These lands were owned and inhabited by the natives, of which there was a numerous, fierce and warlike tribe. In 1662, the Indian title to these lands was acquired by Matthew Allyn and Samuel Wyllys for thirty coats; not exceeding, probably, one hundred dollars in value. The same year, this purchase was disposed of to 28 persons, who immediately became actual settlers upon it. They were most, or all of them, from Hartford and its vicinity. The first settlement was made promiscuously in the town meadow; some families, however, located themselves on the plain... Read MORE...

1839 - Haddam
Haddam, Connecticut
One of the county towns of Middlesex county. Incorporated, 1668. This town lies on both sides of Connecticut river. Haddam Society, on the W. side, is the largest part of the town, and the seat of justice. That part of Haddam on the E. side is called Haddam Neck. There is but little alluvial land in Haddam. The principal part of the township is hilly and stony, with considerable forests. There are valuable quarries of granite on both sides of the river. About 150 men are annually employed in quarrying it, and about $70,000 worth of stone is annually exported. There are many vessels built in Haddam. The timber in this quarter of the county is well adapted for that purpose. The village of Haddam is pleasant, and has a good prospect of the river. It lies 23 miles S. from Hartford and 8 S.E. from Middletown. Population, 1830, 2,830.

David Brainerd, the devoted missionary among the Indians, first drew his breath in Haddam.

"If the greatness of a character is to... Read MORE...

1854 - Haddam
Haddam, a post-village and semi-capital of Middlesex county, Connecticut, on the right bank of the Connecticut river, 20 miles from its mouth, and 25 miles N. E. from New Haven. The inhabitants are engaged in ship building, the shad fisheries, and in the quarrying of stone, which is found in great quantities in the vicinity, and exported to the amount of about $100,000 annually. Population of the township, 2284.
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.

1859
HADDAM, a town of Connecticut, U.S., on the W. side of the Connecticut river, 80 m. SW of Boston. Pop. 2,599.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Haddam
Haddam, had'dam, a post-village and one of the capitals of Middlesex co., Conn., in Haddam township, on #. W. bank of the Connecticut River, about 20 miles from its mouth, and on the Connecticut Valley Railroad, 26 miles, S. by E. of Hartford. It has a church, the Brainerd Academy, and manufactures of steam heaters. The township contains Higganum, Tylerville, and other villages. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2095.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Haddam, a post-village and one of the capitals of Middlesex co., Conn., in Haddam township (town), on the W. bank of the Connecticut River, about 20 miles from its mouth, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 26 miles S. by E. of Hartford. It has granite-quarries, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2015.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in and around Haddam:
Higganum Reservoir State Park:

A great spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a peaceful day by the water. The park offers beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.

Connecticut River:

Take a stroll along the Connecticut River, especially in the Haddam Meadows State Park area. It's a lovely place to relax, have a picnic, or watch boats pass by.

Goodspeed Opera House:

If you're a fan of the arts, the Goodspeed Opera House is a must-visit. It's a renowned theater that often features musicals and plays.

Thankful Arnold House Museum:

Step back in time by exploring this historic house museum. It provides insight into the daily life of early Connecticut settlers.

Devil's Hopyard State Park:

Just a short drive away, this park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and a chance to explore the iconic "Devil's Hopyard."

Chatfield Hollow State Park:

A beautiful park with hiking trails, a pond for swimming, and scenic spots for a family picnic.

Airline State... Read MORE...