East Hartford, a vibrant town nestled in Hartford County,
Connecticut, on the east bank of the Connecticut River opposite
the state capital, blends its deep-rooted heritage with
contemporary vitality. Originally inhabited by the Podunk Native
American tribe before European settlers arrived in the 1630s,
the area was part of Hartford until its incorporation as a
separate town in 1783. Its historical significance is showcased
through several captivating structures on the National Register
of Historic Places, including the Gilman-Hayden House and St.
John's Episcopal Church, which reflect architectural styles from
the 18th and 19th centuries.
During the Revolutionary
War, French troops under Rochambeau camped here en route to
aiding the American victory at Yorktown. Once primarily
agricultural with a focus on tobacco farming, East Hartford
evolved into an industrial hub in the 20th century, particularly
after Pratt & Whitney, a leading aerospace manufacturer now part
of RTX Corporation, established its headquarters here in 1929.
This company remains a cornerstone employer with around 8,000
workers, driving the local economy alongside other businesses
like Goodwin University and Coca-Cola Bottling. The town also
features Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, a
40,000-seat venue built on the site of the former Rentschler
Field airport, serving as the home for the University of
Connecticut Huskies football team and hosting concerts, soccer
matches, and events.
With a population of about 51,000 as
of 2020, East Hartford is diverse, with significant
Hispanic/Latino, White, and Black/African American communities,
and offers a suburban feel with access to urban amenities in
nearby Hartford.
East Hartford offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and
recreational spots. Key attractions include:
Wickham Park:
Spanning 280 acres and shared with neighboring Manchester, this
expansive park features stunning Oriental gardens, fountains, open
fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, softball fields, an aviary, and
panoramic skyline views of Hartford. It's ideal for weddings, winter
sledding, and leisurely strolls, with admission fees applying during
peak seasons.
Great River Park: A scenic riverside park along the
Connecticut River, perfect for walking trails, boating, fishing, and
enjoying views of the Hartford skyline. It hosts events like outdoor
concerts and fireworks, with amenities including an amphitheater and
boat launch.
St. John's Episcopal Church: A historic Gothic Revival
church built in the 19th century, listed on the National Register,
offering a glimpse into the town's architectural heritage.
Rentschler
Field (Pratt & Whitney Stadium): Beyond sports, it's a hub for
large-scale events and tours; check schedules for UConn games or
concerts.
Other notable spots: The Iwo Jima/World War II Museum for
military history enthusiasts, and Olde Burnside Brewing Company for
craft beer tours and tastings.
East Hartford is easily accessible due to its proximity to Hartford. Major highways like I-84 and I-91 run through or near the town, with Main Street serving as a primary entry point. Bradley International Airport (BDL) is about 20 minutes north in Windsor Locks, offering flights from major carriers. Public transit includes CTtransit buses connecting to Hartford, and Amtrak or CTrail trains at Hartford Union Station, just across the river. For drivers, parking is ample, and rideshares like Uber are readily available.
The town is best navigated by car, with well-maintained roads and free parking at most attractions. CTtransit buses provide local routes, including connections to Hartford for broader exploration. Biking is feasible in parks like Great River Park, and walking is pleasant in downtown areas. For longer distances, consider renting a car or using rideshare services.
Shopping options in East Hartford cater to bargains and outdoor gear:
Cabela's (now Bass Pro Shops): A massive outdoor retailer at 475
East Hartford Blvd N, offering hunting, fishing, camping supplies, and
apparel. It's a destination for gear enthusiasts with frequent sales.
Charter Oak Mall: Features stores like T.J. Maxx and Burlington for
discounted clothing, home goods, and accessories.
Nearby: The
Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor (about 10 minutes
away) offers upscale brands like Apple and L.L. Bean, while Westfarms
Mall in West Hartford provides luxury shopping with Nordstrom and
Macy's.
East Hartford's dining scene ranges from casual to diverse ethnic
flavors. Top-rated spots include:
Carmine's Bar, Grill & Stage:
At 389 Main St, known for Italian-American dishes, live music, and a
lively atmosphere; rated 4.5/5 on Yelp for pasta and steaks.
Carl's
Barbeque & Jerk: Offers Jamaican BBQ and jerk chicken with high praise
(4.4/5 on Tripadvisor) for authentic flavors at affordable prices.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: A chain spot for tacos, margaritas, and
Tex-Mex, with solid reviews (3.6/5) for group dining.
Other
recommendations: Pho 501 for Vietnamese noodles, and nearby in Hartford,
Salute for upscale Italian or The Charles for modern American. For 2025
highlights, Connecticut Magazine spotlights diverse options like Lilly's
Soul Food for comfort eats.
Craft beer lovers can head to Olde Burnside Brewing Company at 776 Tolland St, famous for its Ten Penny Ale and tours; it's a top attraction with 4.5/5 ratings. For cocktails, try Carmine's or Margaritas. Coffee shops and bars dot Main Street, and nearby Hartford offers vibrant nightlife with spots like The Foundry for elevated drinks.
Accommodations in East Hartford emphasize comfort and convenience,
often near the stadium or airport routes:
Fairfield By Marriott
Inn & Suites East Hartford, 363 Roberts St, ☏ +1 860-291-2000. A modern
hotel with free breakfast, indoor pool, and fitness center; guests rave
about clean rooms and friendly staff (4.0/5 on Tripadvisor).
Hampton
Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford: At 351 Pitkin St, highly rated
(4.4/5) for spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and river views;
ideal for business or leisure.
Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford -
Hartford: Budget-friendly at 333 Roberts St, with good reviews (3.8/5)
for value, including free Wi-Fi and parking.
Economy options like
Econo Lodge offer basic stays from $70/night, while premium choices in
nearby Hartford provide more luxury.
Pre-Colonial Period
The area that would become East Hartford,
Connecticut, was originally inhabited by the Podunk Indians, a subgroup
of the River Tribes within the Algonquian language family. These Native
Americans lived along the eastern banks of the Connecticut River,
between the Scantic River to the north (in present-day South Windsor)
and the Hockanum River to the south. They referred to their summer lands
as "Nowashe," meaning "between the two rivers." The Podunks were
semi-nomadic, fishing for eels, shad, and salmon in the river,
cultivating corn, beans, and squash in the fertile meadows, and hunting
deer and bear for sustenance. Their population was estimated at 60 to
200 bowmen, governed by sachems like Waginacut and Arramamet. A key site
was Fort Hill, located in what is now the southeast corner of Center
Cemetery, which served as a palisaded stronghold for defense,
particularly against invasions from the Pequot tribe. The Podunks had
connections with tribes across the river in Windsor.
European
awareness of the Connecticut Valley began around 1631, but interactions
brought devastating consequences. In 1634, a smallpox epidemic, likely
introduced by Dutch traders at a post in Hartford (known as Dutch
Point), decimated the Podunk population. Weakened, they were subdued by
the Pequots, who demanded tribute. The Podunks sought alliances with the
Massachusetts Bay Colony against the Pequots, but relations with English
settlers deteriorated. The Pequot War of 1637 resulted in the defeat of
the Pequots, but it marginalized tribes like the Podunks. They were
subjected to colonial laws, including restrictions on trading arms,
horses, or land, and were encouraged to convert to Christianity as
"Praying Indians." During King Philip's War (1675–1676), around 60
Podunk warriors joined Metacom (King Philip), leading to significant
losses. The tribe is last mentioned in historical records in 1745, and
by the 1750s, survivors had merged into other groups like the
Schaghticokes and Pequots, effectively ceasing to exist as a distinct
entity. Artifacts such as stone and flint tools have been found near
Fort Hill, though modern development has erased much archaeological
evidence.
Colonial Settlement and Early Development
European
settlement in the area began in the 1630s as part of the broader
founding of Hartford by Reverend Thomas Hooker and his followers from
Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1635. Initially, the land east of the
Connecticut River was included in Hartford's boundaries, which extended
six miles west and to present-day Bolton in the east. The first
permanent European colonists arrived around 1640, with key figures
including William Goodwin, Thomas Burnham, and William Pitkin. In 1659,
Thomas Burnham purchased a large tract of land encompassing modern East
Hartford and South Windsor from Tantinomo, the chief sachem of the
Podunks, which he later willed to his nine children.
The early
economy was agrarian, with tobacco emerging as the primary crop by the
18th century. Settlement patterns divided the area: north of the
Hockanum River was known as Podunk, while south was Hockanum, though
these names were fluid. The Pitkin family became prominent, descending
from William Pitkin I, who arrived in 1659 as a lawyer and king's
attorney. Family members held influential positions, including governors
(e.g., William Pitkin III, the last colonial governor from 1766–1769),
judges, and assemblymen. They owned various mills for fulling cloth,
gunpowder, glass, and snuff, controlling about 35% of Hartford's
elective offices between 1701 and 1783.
Slavery was present in
colonial East Hartford, with the 1790 census recording 33 enslaved
individuals. Notable examples include Pit Judeth (1743–1810), who died
enslaved, and Pomp Equality (1759–1824), freed in 1792 and later owning
property and a schooner. Both are buried in Center Cemetery, which was
established in 1709 as Hartford's second burying ground for east-side
residents, who faced challenges crossing the flood-prone river to
Hartford's Ancient Burying Ground. The cemetery, initially one acre
purchased from John Pantry, expanded over time and reflects Puritan
values, as it was town-owned rather than church-affiliated.
Residents
east of the river began petitioning for separation from Hartford as
early as 1726, citing inconveniences like river crossings for meetings
and burials. Multiple petitions were submitted between 1726 and 1783,
but all were initially rejected by the General Assembly.
Revolutionary War and Incorporation
During the Revolutionary War,
East Hartford played a supporting role. French troops under Lieutenant
General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, encamped
in the town twice—once before and once after assisting General George
Washington's forces in the decisive 1781 Siege of Yorktown, Virginia,
which led to the British surrender.
In October 1783, the General
Assembly finally approved East Hartford's incorporation as a separate
town, granting it a charter from land taken from Hartford. This followed
the separation of Bolton in 1720. In 1823, the Orford Parish broke away
from East Hartford to form Manchester, reducing the town's size.
19th Century: Agriculture and Early Infrastructure
Post-incorporation, East Hartford remained largely agricultural, with
tobacco farming dominating the economy. In the late 19th century,
residents formed special tax districts for services like fire
protection, street lighting, sanitation, and public works. Key districts
included the East Hartford Fire District (chartered 1889, organized
1891), Meadow Fire District (pre-20th century), Hockanum Sewer and
Lighting Districts (1915–1916), and Silver Lane Fire and Lighting
District (1925).
20th Century: Industrial Boom and Aviation
The early 20th century marked a shift toward industrialization. In 1929,
Frederick Rentschler relocated Pratt & Whitney's aircraft engine
production from Hartford to a 1,100-acre site in East Hartford. This
included Rentschler Field, a small airport operational from 1931 to
1999, initially for test flights and later for corporate aviation. Pratt
& Whitney became synonymous with East Hartford, especially during World
War II, when it supplied critical aircraft engines and products to the
Allied effort.
On June 10, 1929, voters approved a new town charter,
dissolving the old districts and establishing a Town Council government.
The town's seal, adopted in 1930 after an initial 1929 version was
rescinded, features symbolic elements like the East Hartford Bridge, the
Congregational Church, and the former Meeting House, with the motto
"Carpe Diem" and the incorporation year of 1783.
The former
Rentschler Field site was decommissioned in the 1990s and donated to the
state by United Technologies in 1999. It reopened as Pratt & Whitney
Stadium at Rentschler Field in 2003, with a 40,000-seat capacity,
hosting University of Connecticut football games and other events under
a lease agreement.
Modern Era: Government and Preservation
Today, East Hartford operates under a strong Mayor-Council form of
government, with the Mayor collaborating with a nine-member Town Council
and Treasurer. The Council Chairman serves as Deputy Mayor, and the body
holds powers to approve budgets, enact ordinances, and conduct
investigations.
Efforts to preserve history include the Historical
Society of East Hartford, founded in 1964 to foster awareness of the
town's past. Sites like the Huguenot House and Center Cemetery continue
to highlight colonial and Native American heritage. East Hartford's
population, as of recent estimates, is around 50,000, and it remains an
industrial hub with Pratt & Whitney (now part of RTX Corporation) as a
major employer, alongside growing residential and commercial
development.
East Hartford, a town situated just across the Connecticut River from
the state capital of Hartford, has a rich colonial history dating back
to the 18th century. While not as notorious for paranormal activity as
some nearby areas like Hartford proper, it does feature one prominent
haunted site with documented legends: the Huguenot House, also known as
the Makens Bemont House. This historic home stands out as the primary
focal point for local ghost stories, with reports of apparitions and
unexplained phenomena tied to its relocation and renovation in the
1970s. Other regional legends, such as statewide tales of cryptids like
the Glawakus (a bear-like creature said to roam eastern Connecticut) or
the Melon Heads (deformed feral humans from folklore in nearby towns),
occasionally spill over into East Hartford discussions, but they lack
specific ties to the town. Below is an in-depth exploration of the key
haunted legend associated with East Hartford.
The Huguenot House
(Makens Bemont House)
Built in 1761 by Edmund Bemont, a local farmer
and mill owner, this colonial-era house originally stood on Tolland
Street in East Hartford. It was constructed for his family, including
his son Makens Bemont, who became a successful saddlemaker and amassed
considerable wealth through his trade. The Bemont family occupied the
property for nearly a century, passing it down through generations.
During this time, the house served as a typical New England farmhouse,
witnessing everyday life, natural deaths from illness or old age, and
the ebb and flow of colonial society. No major tragedies, such as
murders or violent events, are recorded in its early history, which
makes the later hauntings somewhat mysterious. The name "Huguenot House"
is a bit of a misnomer—there's no evidence the Bemonts were French
Protestant Huguenots fleeing persecution, nor any Huguenot residents
documented. The nickname may stem from local folklore or a romanticized
retelling of the family's origins.
By the mid-19th century, the
Bemonts had sold the property, and it changed hands several times. The
last private owner, Adolph Rosenthal, donated it to the Historical
Society of East Hartford in 1968. In 1971, facing urban development, the
house was relocated to its current site in Martin Park at 307 Burnside
Avenue. This move, combined with extensive renovations to preserve it as
a museum, is believed to have stirred up paranormal activity.
Restoration workers and visitors report that the structural disturbances
"awakened" spirits who had been dormant for centuries.
The
hauntings primarily involve two entities:
Benny: Described as a
friendly male spirit, Benny first appeared to workers during the 1971
renovations. His presence is auditory rather than visual—manifesting as
random rappings, scratchings, unexplained bangs, and crashes throughout
the house. Some investigators have captured electronic voice phenomena
(EVPs) suggesting a playful or protective nature. Benny is thought to be
a residual energy from the Bemont era, perhaps a family member or worker
tied to the property.
The Blue Lady: This apparition is more visual
and ethereal, often seen peering from the windows in a flowing blue
dress. Local legend identifies her as Abigail Bemont, Edmund's wife and
Makens' mother, who died in the house in the late 1700s. Witnesses
describe her as a translucent figure with a calm, watchful demeanor.
Some reports include feelings of being pushed or touched gently, as if
guided away from certain areas. Orb photos (anomalous light spots in
images) and impressions on couches—as if someone invisible had just sat
down—have been documented by paranormal groups like the New England
Paranormal Video Research Group.
Today, the Huguenot House
operates as a museum run by the Historical Society of East Hartford,
open seasonally from June to August. It's a popular spot for ghost
hunters and history enthusiasts, with guided tours occasionally touching
on the legends. While not aggressively haunted, the site's stories add a
layer of intrigue to East Hartford's otherwise quiet suburban vibe. If
you're visiting, keep an eye on the windows—you might catch a glimpse of
the Blue Lady.
East Hartford's industrial and commercial past has left behind
several abandoned or derelict sites, many along the bustling Silver Lane
corridor, which serves as a gateway to downtown Hartford. Urban decay
here stems from economic shifts, failed businesses, and redevelopment
efforts. While not all are "haunted" in the traditional sense, some
carry an eerie atmosphere due to their dilapidated state and forgotten
histories. Recent town initiatives have focused on revitalizing these
areas, leading to demolitions and new developments like mixed-use
housing. Below are in-depth descriptions of notable abandoned or
formerly abandoned places, drawn from local reports and redevelopment
plans.
Former Nursing Home at 51 Applegate Lane
Located off
Silver Lane near the Silver Lane Plaza, this approximately
52,000-square-foot facility was once a nursing home serving elderly
residents in East Hartford. Built in the mid-20th century as part of the
town's growing healthcare infrastructure, it operated for decades before
closing due to financial issues and shifting demographics. By the early
2020s, it sat abandoned, with reports of leftover furniture, clothing,
medical equipment, and personal items scattered inside, creating a
time-capsule effect. Explorers described it as "spooky yet beautiful,"
with overgrown grounds and a sense of lingering human presence—echoing
the lives of patients who once called it home.
The site became part
of East Hartford's Silver Lane Redevelopment Plan in 2022, aimed at
revitalizing the corridor. The town acquired it with state grants,
including $10 million from the Bond Commission, to address blight.
Demolition was completed by 2025 as part of broader efforts to build
mixed-use properties, potentially including retail and housing. No
specific legends are tied to it, but its abandonment evoked urban
exploration tales of eerie silence and forgotten stories. Today, the
site is cleared, marking the end of its abandoned era.
Former
Showcase Cinemas at 936 Silver Lane
This multiplex movie theater,
opened in the 1970s as part of the national Showcase Cinemas chain, was
a staple of East Hartford entertainment for decades. Overlooking
Interstate 84, it featured multiple screens and hosted countless
screenings before closing in 2006 amid declining attendance and
competition from modern cinemas. The building sat abandoned for over a
decade, becoming a magnet for graffiti, vandalism, and urban explorers
who documented its decaying interiors—faded posters, broken seats, and
projection rooms filled with obsolete equipment. Its isolated location
added to the creepy vibe, with reports of strange noises echoing in the
empty auditoriums.
Demolition occurred in November 2019, leaving a
vacant lot that remained undeveloped until 2023, when the town purchased
it. In June 2025, it was sold to developers for $115 million to create
"Concourse Park," a residential community with over 300 apartments,
amenities like a pool, dog park, and golf simulator. The project's
delays due to economic factors prolonged the site's abandoned feel, but
construction is now underway, transforming it from blight to housing.
Former Stop & Shop at 940 Silver Lane (Charter Oak Mall)
Part of
the Charter Oak Mall complex since 1976, this grocery store was a
community hub where locals shopped for decades. It closed in January
2022 after the lease couldn't be renewed, leaving a massive vacant space
in an already declining mall area. The abandonment was short-lived but
notable—videos from explorers showed empty aisles, abandoned carts, and
faded signage, evoking a post-apocalyptic feel. Mayor Mike Walsh
expressed concerns about the "gap" it left in the Silver Lane corridor,
impacting local access to groceries.
By 2024, plans emerged to
repurpose it as a trampoline park, shifting from retail to recreation.
This reflects East Hartford's push to adapt abandoned commercial spaces
amid retail evolution. No hauntings are associated, but its sudden
closure fueled local nostalgia and stories of economic change.
Silver Lane Plaza and Nearby Housing Sites
The Silver Lane Plaza, a
22-acre commercial complex along Silver Lane, included multiple decaying
buildings abandoned due to neglect and failed businesses. By the 2020s,
it was blighted with vacant storefronts and structural issues. The town
demolished it in 2024-2025 using state funds, paving the way for
mixed-use redevelopment. Nearby, abandoned housing projects—like those
on Burnside Avenue—have been targeted for revitalization. For instance,
a former town-owned site at 550-560 Burnside Ave. was sold to Habitat
for Humanity in 2022 for 10 new homes, addressing horrific conditions in
old public housing. These sites carry no legends but symbolize urban
renewal in a town balancing history with progress.