History of East Haddam, Connecticut, USA

1685 - (East Haddam, CT) - The first permanent European residents established homesteads in 1685.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ east-haddam/

In 1734 the town of East Haddam broke from Haddam and incorporated.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ east-haddam/

1819 - East Haddam
East-Haddam is a considerable post township, situated upon the east side of Connecticut river, in the southeast section of the county, 13 miles southeast from Middletown, and about 27 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Chatham and Colchester, on the east by Colchester and Lyme, in New-London county, on the south by Lyme, and on the west principally by Connecticut river, but partly by the Salmon river, separating it from Haddam Neck, belonging to the town of Haddam.

The average length of the township, from east to west, is nearly 8 miles, and its average breadth from north to south, is about 6 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 50 square miles.

The face of the country presents the usual granitic features of this region, being rough, and of a mountainous character; but the soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is generally strong and fertile. There is some alluvial upon the borders of the streams, which, with some other small sections, is suitable for the... Read MORE...

1839 - East Haddam
East Haddam, Connecticut
Middlesex county. A town of considerable trade and manufacturing enterprise, on the east side of the Connecticut, and at the outlet of Salmon river. It lies 18 miles above the mouth of Connecticut river, 14 below Middletown and 30 S.S.E. from Hartford. The soil is hilly and rocky, and more fit for grazing than tillage. Considerable business is done here in the shad fishery. It is supposed that more leather is made in this than in any other town in the state. This place has fine water privileges, both for navigation and manufactures. A short distance from the centre of the town is a pond covering 1,000 acres. On the river formed by the outlet of this pond, the water is precipitated over rocks nearly 70 feet perpendicular. The scenery around these falls is beautiful, and worthy of particular notice.

There are 6 cotton mills in East Haddam, two of which manufacture twine.

Leesville, on Salmon river, and Mechanicsville, on Moodus river, a branch of Salmon... Read MORE...

1854 - East Haddam
East Haddam, a post-township of Middlesex co , Conn., on the E. side of the Connecticut river. 35 miles S. by E. from Hartford. East Haddam Landing is on the left bank of the Connecticut, about 1 mile below the mouth of Salmon river. It is a thriving place, has several stores, a bank, and a ship-yard. Population of the township, 2010.
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.

The Goodspeed Opera House, built in 1877 by William Goodspeed, is in East Haddam.

courant.com

1883 - FIRE AT SEA. BURNING OF A STEAMER ON LONG ISLAND SOUND - FIVE LIVES LOST.
Hartford, Conn., May 18. - A special to The Courant from Goodspeed's Landing says:

The steamer Granite State, hence for New York, burned to the water's edge at 4 o'clock this morning. She had a large freight, and is a total loss. She lies sunk on Lord's Island, just above the landing. Five persons are missing. The body of the second cook (colored), named JACKSON, has been recovered.

The Granite State was owned in this city by the Hartford and New York Transportation company. She cost the company, originally, $25,000, but has siince been thoroughly overhauled and repaired, at a cost of $30,000, making the whole cost $55,000; insured for $40,000.

Later -- The steamer Granite State was destroyed this morning while approaching the dock at Goodspeed's Landing, forty-one miles below Hartford, on her way to this city. The flames spread so rapidly that nothing was saved. Five lives are known to have been lost, four by burning and one by drowning. The drowned person was MRS. DR. C. L. ... Read MORE...

1895 - East Haddam
baby-carriages. East Haddam, a post-township of Middlesex co., Conn., on the E. side of the Connecticut River, about 15 miles below Middletown, and 28 miles S.S.E. of Hartford. It has 7 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, a news : office, a ship-yard, 13 cotton-mills, 3 manufactories of britannia spoons, and 2 of coffin-trimmings. It contains villages named Goodspeed's Landing, Moodus, and Lees ville. Total pop. 2951. East Haddam Post-Office is at Goodspeed's Landing.
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
East Haddam, a banking post-township (town) of Middlesex co., Conn., on the E. Bide of the Connecticut River, about 15 miles below Middletown and 28 miles SSE. of Hartford. It has a manufactory of britannia-ware. Pop. in 1900, 2485.
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 go and things to do in and around East Haddam, Connecticut:
Goodspeed Opera House:

Start your visit with a trip to the Goodspeed Opera House, a renowned theater that has been entertaining audiences for decades. Check their schedule for any performances during your stay.

Gillette Castle State Park:

Explore the intriguing Gillette Castle, the former home of actor William Gillette. The castle itself is a masterpiece, and the surrounding state park offers hiking trails and scenic views of the Connecticut River.

East Haddam Swing Bridge:

Take a stroll to the East Haddam Swing Bridge, a historic and picturesque bridge that spans the Connecticut River. It's a great spot for photos and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Devil's Hopyard State Park:

If you're a nature enthusiast, Devil's Hopyard State Park is a must-visit. This park is known for its unique rock formations, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Nathan Hale Schoolhouse:

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, where the famous... Read MORE...