History of Stonington, Connecticut, USA

1819 - Stonington
Stonington, a flourishing post town, is situated in the southeast corner of the State, being 55 miles southeast from Hartford, and 62 east from New-Haven. It is bounded north by North-Stonington, east by Paucatuck river, which separates it from Rhode-Island, south by Fisher's Island sound and Paucatuck bay, and west by Mystic river, which separates it from Groton...
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

1820 - Antarctica discovered
Captain Nathaniel Palmer of Stonington discovers the continent of Antarctica.
Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)

1839 - Stonington
Stonington, Connecticut
New London county. This town is situated at the eastern extremity of Long Island Sound, at the S.E. corner of the state, and on the line of Rhode Island. It contains an area of about six square miles. The land is rocky and uneven, but fertile and productive. A considerable amount of agricultural products is annually sent from this town to Nantucket and other places. It is watered by the Mystic and Paucatuck, considerable streams, on which are cotton, woolen and other factories. Stonington was first settled in 1649, and incorporated in 1658. Population, 1830, 3,401.

This place was bombarded by British ships during the revolutionary war, and again on the 10th of August, 1814, and gallantly defended.

The harbor of Stonington sets up from the Sound, opposite Fisher's island, and is well protected by an expensive Breakwater.

This place is noted for the commercial enterprise of its people. Large capitals are employed in the whale, seal, and cod fisheries.... Read MORE...

1854 - Stonington / Stonington borough / Pawcatuck / Mystic
Stonington, a post-borough and port of entry of New London county, Connecticut, on the seacoast, at the southern terminus of the Stonington railroad, 63 miles E. from New Haven, and 50 miles S. S. W. from Providence. It is built on a peninsula somewhat more than half a mile in length from N. to S., and contains 5 churches of the various denominations, several flourishing schools, 2 banks, with an aggregate capital of $160,000; a savings' institution, with $46,182 on deposite, and about 20 stores. Manufactures have recently been introduced; one large establishment has gone into operation here the present season, (1853.) Stonington is much resorted to during the summer months as a watering-place, and a first-class hotel has been erected for the accommodation of visitors. The harbor of Stonington is capacious, and partly protected by a national breakwater, constructed at a cost of $100,000. Previous to 1835, the inhabitants were extensively and profitably engaged in various enterprises... Read MORE...

1880 - Huge Estate
The estate of the late Charles P. Williams, of Stonington, Conn., is appraised at $2,250,000, probably as large a sum as has ever been presented for probate in that State.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 26, 1880

1885 - Italian Musicians
A company of Italian musicians, who have been playing on the Stonington, Ct., line of steamers, now furnish music on the steamer Lorn.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 8, 1885

1895 - Stonington / Old Mystic / Mystic / Pawcatuck
Stonington, stön'ing-ton, a post-borough and port of entry of New London co., Conn., in Stonington township, on the Atlantic Ocean, 12 miles E. of New London, 50 miles S.S.W. of Providence, and 62 miles E. of New Haven. It is on the Stonington & Providence Railroad, and communicates with New York daily by a line of large and elegant steamboats. Its harbor is capacious, and is partly protected by a breakwater. It contains 6 churches, a national bank, a high school, a newspaper office, an iron-foundry, and manufactures of silk-machinery and silk velvets. Stoning ton township contains the villages of Old Mystic, Mystic, and Pawcatuck. In August, 1814, this place was bombarded by several British vessels, but was successfully defended. Pop. of borough, 2000; of township (1890), 7184.
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

1906
Stonington, a banking post-borough, port of entry, and resort of New London co., Conn., in Stonington township (town) on the Atlantic Ocean, 50 miles SSW. of Providence, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. Its harbor is capacious and is partly protected by a break-water. The borough has railroad-shops and manufactures of foundry products, silk-machinery, velvets, etc.In Aug., 1814, this place was bombarded by several British vessels, but was successfully defended. Pop. of the borough in 1900, 2278; of the town, 8540.
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

1912 - EXPRESS WRECK KILLS THREE
Signal Out of Order on New Haven Road at Stonington.

STONINGTON, Conn., July 23. - An express train bound east over the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad crashed into a freight engine at the railroad yards at Stonington Junction, reducing both locomotives practically to scrap iron and considerably damaging rolling stock. Three men were killed and four seriously injured.

The dead are J. F. Conley of Boston, head brakeman on the freight train:
Cecil Cheney of Midway, an engine cleaner, and an unidentified man, believed to be a tramp.

The injured are Frederick G. Hadley of New Haven, fireman on the express, right hand and part of left hand cut off; Charles H. Mansfield of New Haven, engineer of the express, right side scalded; James Martinsen of Patterson, N. Y., a jockey, cuts and bruises, and Patrick Connell, a jockey, of Patterson, N. Y., cuts and bruises.
A part of the wreckage struck the signal tower, tearing out one corner and forcing Fred E. Wilbur of Stonington,... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Stonington:
Stonington Borough:

Explore the Village: Take a stroll through the historic Stonington Borough, known for its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Enjoy the picturesque streets, charming shops, and art galleries.

Stonington Lighthouse Museum: Climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the harbor. The museum inside offers insight into the maritime history of the area.

Dubois Beach: Relax on Dubois Beach, a quiet and scenic spot overlooking Fisher's Island Sound. It's a great place to unwind and enjoy the coastal beauty.

Mystic Seaport:

Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum: Just a short drive away, Mystic Seaport is an outdoor maritime museum. Explore historic ships, a recreated 19th-century village, and exhibits on maritime history.

Mystic Aquarium: If you're a fan of marine life, Mystic Aquarium is a must-visit. See beluga whales, penguins, and a variety of sea creatures. They also have engaging exhibits and interactive displays.

Nature and ... Read MORE...