Groton, Connecticut

Groton is a town located on the Thames River in New London County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 39,907.

History

Groton was incorporated as a town in 1705, when it separated from New London. Incorporation made it less necessary for Groton residents to cross the Thames to New London, a hazardous task at the time.

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Soon after incorporation, the first Baptist church in the Connecticut, now known as the Old Mystic Baptist Church, was founded in Groton in 1705.

Related Topics:
Baptist - Mystic - 1705

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In September 6, 1781, the Battle of Groton Heights took place. British forces aided by Benedict Arnold attacked Ft. Griswold and then set fire to New London and Groton Bank.

Related Topics:
September 6 - 1781 - Battle of Groton Heights - Benedict Arnold

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Groton originally encompassed the present towns of Groton and Ledyard. The center of town was located at the intersection of present-day Routes 184 and 117. The town's first school and church, the tavern and a stagecoach shop (the current Haley House) were located at this intersection. When Ledyard separated from Groton to become a separate town in 1836, the area was no longer the geographic center, but it is still known as Center Groton.

Related Topics:
Ledyard - 1836

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The Battle of Groton Heights Memorial was erected in 1830 to the 185 men who defended the colonies' freedom at Ft. Griswold. Today, Ft. Griswold is Connecticut's only intact Revolutionary War fort. The 134-foot tall monument became the symbol of the town and is featured in the town's seal.

Related Topics:
Battle of Groton Heights - 1830 - Connecticut - Revolutionary War

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In the 19th century, Clipper ships and packets were built in the shipyards on the Mystic River. The most important vessel built at Mystic was the clipper ship Andrew Jackson, which in 1859 made a record-setting voyage between New York City and San Francisco in 89 days, 4 hours. The Civil War Ironclad Galena was the first ocean-going ironclad of the Union Navy.

Related Topics:
Clipper - Andrew Jackson - 1859 - New York City - San Francisco - Ironclad - Galena

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In the 20th century, the shipbuilding industry moved from the Mystic River to the Thames River. Electric Boat is the town's largest employer. During World War II, Electric Boat completed submarines every two weeks. In 1954, Electric Boat launched the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine. Presently, the Nautilus is decommissioned and permanently berthed at the Submarine Force Library and Museum. Due to the long-standing history of Submarines in the town, many residents feel that Groton is the "Submarine Capital of the World".

Related Topics:
Electric Boat - World War II - 1954 - USS Nautilus - Submarine Force Library and Museum

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