Located in the Mystic-Eastern area of Connecticut within New London County, Griswold is a quaint and historically rich community. With a population of approximately 11,683 as of 2025, it encompasses the borough of Jewett City and several villages like Doaneville, Glasgo, and Rixtown. The town was incorporated in 1815 and named after former Connecticut Governor Matthew Griswold, drawing from its roots in the early 1700s when settlers established farms along the Pachaug and Quinebaug Rivers. Its scenic basin, framed by rolling hills, offers picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and small-town charm. Griswold boasts several sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its deep colonial heritage and architectural significance.
Griswold is home to a variety of historic landmarks, many of which
highlight its colonial past. Here's a curated list of must-see spots,
with expanded insights into their history and features:
Avery
House - This well-preserved home is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places and exemplifies early American architecture in the
region. Built in the 18th century, it offers a glimpse into the domestic
life of early settlers, with period furnishings and structural details
that showcase colonial craftsmanship.
Edward Cogswell House - Another
National Register property, this house dates back to around 1730 and is
located on Hopeville Road (Route 201). It features classic
Georgian-style elements and serves as a testament to the area's
agricultural history, having been part of a prominent local family's
estate for generations.
Kinne Cemetery - Recognized on the National
Register for its historical value, this cemetery is renowned for its
intricate funerary art, including ornate gravestones from the 18th and
19th centuries. Visitors can explore markers that reflect evolving
burial customs and local folklore, making it a fascinating site for
genealogy enthusiasts and history buffs.
Marian Friary of Our Lady of
Guadalupe - Housed in a striking church with Tudor Gothic architecture,
this Franciscan friary is a spiritual haven operated by the Franciscans
of the Immaculate. Located at 199 Colonel Brown Road, it offers daily
Masses (e.g., Sundays at 9:30 AM), confessions, and a serene environment
for reflection. The friary's grounds provide peaceful walking paths, and
it's open to the public for worship and tours.
Slater Library - This
National Register-listed library stands out for its Romanesque Revival
architecture, complete with arched windows and stone detailing.
Established in the late 19th century with an endowment from
industrialist John Fox Slater, it includes the Fanning Annex and serves
as a community hub with books, events, and historical exhibits on local
mill history.
Timothy Lester Farmstead - A classic example of a
historic New England farm, this National Register site features
preserved buildings from the 18th century, including a farmhouse and
outbuildings. It highlights Griswold's agrarian roots, with elements
like original timber framing that offer insights into early farming
practices.
Accessing Griswold is straightforward, primarily by car via major highways. The town is conveniently located near Interstate 395, which connects to I-95 for easy access from Boston, New York, or Providence. For air travel, the closest major airport is Rhode Island T.F. Green International (PVD) in Warwick, about 40 miles away, with flights from various U.S. cities. Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford is another option, roughly 50 miles northwest. Train enthusiasts can take Amtrak to New London Station (about 15 miles south), then connect via taxi or rideshare. Bus services through Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) provide regional connections from nearby towns like Norwich.
Given its rural character, personal vehicles are the most practical way to get around, with ample parking at attractions. For public options, SEAT buses operate routes through Griswold and connecting towns like Groton and East Lyme. Rideshares like Uber and local taxis (e.g., AAA Cab or Wright's Taxi) are readily available for short trips. Walking or biking is feasible in compact areas like Jewett City, especially for exploring historic sites along main roads.
Griswold offers a mix of local shops and convenient retail spots. Thrift enthusiasts can browse Treasure Chest Thrift for unique finds or Pachaug Picker for antiques and vintage items. For everyday needs, head to Ocean State Job Lot on Voluntown Road for discounted home goods, or the nearby Walmart Supercenter. Craft lovers might enjoy Small Potatoes Crafts and Gifts, featuring handmade items from local artisans. For more extensive shopping, drive to Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Resort Casino, about 10 miles away, with brand-name stores.
Foodies will find a range of casual eateries in Griswold. Highlights include Rubino's Full Circle for Italian-American fare in a welcoming setting, or Victorian House for hearty comfort food. Uncle Kranky's Cafe offers cozy breakfast and lunch spots, while Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream is perfect for seasonal treats from their on-site dairy. For quick bites, chains like Subway and McDonald's are available.
Griswold's bar scene emphasizes relaxed vibes and local brews. Tullis Tap House at 259 Preston Road (phone: +1 860-591-1047, email: tullistaphouse@gmail.com) is a standout gastropub specializing in craft beers, inventive cocktails, and pub grub like burgers and appetizers. Other options include Brewett City Pub in Jewett City for a lively atmosphere with live music and draft selections, or Happy Jacks Sports Bar for game-day watching with wings and pints. Pistol Pete's Bar & Grill offers a neighborhood feel with affordable drinks.
Overnight stays in Griswold cater to various preferences and budgets. The Comfort Inn at 375 Voluntown Road (phone: +1 860-376-3200) is a reliable chain option from Choice Hotels, featuring free breakfast, an indoor pool, and shuttle service to nearby casinos. For camping, Countryside RV Park at 75 Cook Hill Road (phone: +1 860-376-0029) provides sites with hookups; note that seasonal spots are limited to couples aged 55+, though short-term stays are open to all. Heavitree of Griswold at 78 Oakville Road (phone: +1 860-884-936) is a charming small bed and breakfast set in a restored historic barn, offering cozy rooms with antique decor and personalized breakfasts. Additional choices include the AmericInn by Wyndham Griswold for modern amenities, or nearby casino hotels like Hilton Garden Inn at Foxwoods for more upscale stays.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
The area now known as
Griswold, Connecticut, located in the northeastern corner of New London
County, was originally inhabited by the Mohegan people. The Mohegans,
part of the Algonquian-speaking tribes, referred to their homeland as
Moheganeak in the Thames Valley, with the Pachaug region serving as a
key part of their territory. The Pachaug and Quinebaug Rivers were vital
fishing grounds and resources for the tribe. Land claims in the region
were contested between the Mohegans and the Colony of Connecticut. In
1640, the Colony obtained a conveyance from Chief Uncas for Mohegan
lands, excluding planting grounds, but disputes continued. A more formal
purchase occurred in 1686 when Owaneco, son of Uncas, sold the lands for
35 pounds sterling, though boundary lines remained unclear, leading to
ongoing conflicts.
Early Settlement and Colonial Period
(17th-18th Centuries)
European settlement in the Griswold area began
in the late 17th century, drawn by the abundant waterpower from the
Pachaug and Quinebaug Rivers, which supported early industries like corn
mills, sawmills, ironworks, and other enterprises. One of the earliest
settlers was Samuel Leonard, who established himself along the Pachaug
River around 1669. Settlers primarily came from nearby towns such as
Norwich, Stonington, and southern Preston. In 1686, inhabitants
petitioned for incorporation and purchased additional land from Owaneco
for 50 pounds in four payments.
By the early 18th century, the
population had grown sufficiently to warrant greater autonomy. In 1715,
Preston was divided into South and North Societies due to the challenges
of travel for church services; the North Society would eventually become
Griswold. The first meetinghouse and church were constructed in 1720 in
Pachaug, now the site of the Pachaug Congregational Church, marking a
central hub for community and religious life. Population estimates show
growth from about 250 residents in 1720 to over 1,000 by 1760. In 1762,
a portion of northeast Norwich was annexed to the North Society.
Infrastructure development included the laying out of the first highway
in 1691, running from Preston City to Pachaug. The village of Jewett
City emerged around 1771, founded by Eliezer Jewett, a key figure who
built a sawmill, gristmill, fulling mill, clothier's shop, and tavern.
Main Street in Jewett City was established in 1768, along with the first
bridge across the Quinebaug River. Jewett's enterprises, including an
irrigation plant, led to the area being renamed Jewett City in his
honor. A post office was established there in 1804, with John Johnson as
the first postmaster. Another notable village, Glasgo, developed around
the intersection of Routes 165 and 201, where Isaac Glasko, a blacksmith
of mixed African American and Native American descent, set up shop in
1806; Glasko later challenged 19th-century voting rights in Connecticut.
Agriculture dominated the early economy, with flax cultivation and sheep
rearing becoming prominent by the early 19th century. Waterpower from
the rivers fueled small-scale industries, including an iron works in
Jewett City.
Incorporation and 19th-Century Growth
Griswold
was officially incorporated as a town in 1815, separating from the North
Society of Preston. It was named after Roger Griswold, who served as
Connecticut's governor from 1811 to 1812. The first town meeting
occurred in November 1815, with Andrew Huntington as moderator and a
board of selectmen including Nathan Geer, Thaddeus Cook, Elias Brewster,
Nathan Belcher, and James Braman. At incorporation, the population was
approximately 1,400.
The 19th century saw significant industrial
expansion during the Industrial Revolution. Cotton manufacturing began
in 1809, with the Jewett City Cotton Manufacturing Company established
in 1823 by the Tibbets family on the site of earlier mills. In 1825, it
was purchased by brothers John and Samuel Slater, prominent figures in
American textile history. A woolen mill had been operating since 1804.
Around 1840, a brief silkworm boom led to raw silk production in the
region.
Key mills included:
Ashland Mill (built 1845, up to
330 looms at its peak)
Hope Factory
Tucker Mill
Tadpole Mill
Bromley Mill
Dorrville Mill
Doane Mill
Other developments
included the incorporation of the Jewett City Bank in 1831, a fire
engine company in 1832, and the completion of the Norwich and Worcester
Railroad in 1840, which boosted transportation and commerce. By the late
1870s, manufacturing diversified with companies like the Aspinook
Corporation (1893, 250-350 looms), Jewett City Textile Novelty Company
(1893), and Bromley Brothers (producing 15,000 pairs of spectacles
annually). Additional businesses encompassed carriage shops, blacksmith
shops, livery stables, and company stores.
In 1881, a public
library was established in Pachaug through a $3,000 endowment from
Daniel T. Coit, though it later ceased operations. Jewett City was
incorporated as a borough within Griswold in 1895, formalizing its
status as the town's central business district at the confluence of the
Pachaug and Quinebaug Rivers.
20th Century: Industrial Peak,
Decline, and Transition
The textile industry reached its zenith in
the early 20th century but began declining by the 1920s. Mills changed
hands frequently, with some converted to other uses like shoe factories,
though these efforts often failed. The mid-1960s marked the end of major
textile operations. Devastating fires destroyed key structures: Aspinook
Mill in 1969, Slater Mill in 1993, and Ashland Mill in 1995.
Griswold's involvement in major historical events included contributions
to the World Wars, though specific details from the early 20th century
are limited in available records. The town's history up to 1917, as
documented in historical accounts, emphasizes its role in supporting the
nation's entry into World War I through local enlistments and industrial
output.
Natural and recreational areas gained prominence, with sites
like Pachaug Pond (the largest body of water in town, featuring a state
boat launch and marina) and state-managed lands. Pachaug State Forest
and Hopeville Pond State Park (on the site of a former woolen mill)
offer hiking, camping, beaches, and boating, reflecting a shift toward
tourism and conservation.
Modern Griswold (Late 20th Century to
Present)
Today, Griswold is a rural-suburban town with a population
of around 11,000 (as of recent estimates), focusing on residential
living, small businesses, and outdoor recreation. The Griswold
Historical Society preserves local records and heritage, maintaining
sites like the Pachaug Congregational Church. The economy has
diversified beyond textiles, with emphasis on education, healthcare, and
proximity to larger cities like Norwich. Notable modern attractions
include the state parks and forests, which draw visitors for their
natural beauty. The town's history is celebrated through community
events and preserved landmarks, honoring figures like Eliezer Jewett and
Governor Roger Griswold.
One of the most chilling tales is that of the Jewett City Vampires,
centered in the borough of Jewett City within Griswold during the
mid-1800s. The Ray family endured a series of deaths from consumption
(now known as tuberculosis), starting with 24-year-old Lemuel in 1845,
followed by patriarch Henry B. Ray, and then 26-year-old Elisha. Fearing
the deceased were rising as undead to drain the life from surviving
relatives, the family exhumed Lemuel and Elisha's bodies in 1854 and
burned them to halt the "curse." This act was influenced by earlier
local superstitions, including a similar desecration around 1820 of a
body in nearby Hopeville, where archaeological digs in the 1990s
uncovered a grave (labeled JB55, likely John Barber) with the skull
decapitated, bones rearranged in an X over the chest, and ribs
broken—classic anti-vampire rituals to prevent the dead from rising.
Modern interpretations tie this to widespread ignorance of tuberculosis,
which killed millions and sparked panic-driven folk remedies across New
England; no actual hauntings are reported, but the legend persists as a
grim reminder of fear overriding science. Visitors can still see the Ray
family graves in Jewett City Cemetery at the end of Anthony Street, a
relocated site tucked behind a housing project.
Another spectral
story unfolds at Homespun Farm, also known as the Brewster Homestead, at
306 Preston Road. Built in 1750 by Simon Brewster—a descendant of
Mayflower pilgrim William Brewster—this gambrel-roofed farmhouse served
as a dairy and orchard for over two centuries before becoming a bed and
breakfast in the 1990s (now a private residence). Legends speak of
gentle spirits: Simon himself is said to wander the gardens in colonial
attire, protectively overseeing the grounds, while his wife's footsteps
echo up the stairs at night. Objects sometimes shift mysteriously, like
a book nudged or a curtain swayed, interpreted as friendly guidance
rather than malice.
The Pachaug Cemetery, dating back to the early
1700s in the Pachaug State Forest area, is whispered to host ghostly
apparitions and an unsettling presence, with some claiming spirits rise
from the graves under the cover of darkness. Less documented but equally
eerie is the Griswold Bell Legend, involving a church bell stolen in the
early 1800s and cursed to bring doom upon anyone who attempts to ring
it; it's believed to remain hidden somewhere in town, awaiting
unfortunate discovery.
Among the forsaken sites, the Haunted House on Route 138 stands out
as a decrepit structure vacant for decades, where passersby report
shadowy figures in the windows, unexplained footsteps echoing inside,
and a pervasive sense of curse that dooms those who enter to share its
former occupants' grim fate.
The Lost Village of Griswold refers to a
small woodland settlement mysteriously abandoned in the mid-19th
century, with no clear explanation despite investigations—local lore
attributes it to a curse or hidden tragedy, leaving only faint traces in
the forest.
Scattered remnants like an abandoned Chevron service
station in Griswold slowly crumble into the earth, with photos from over
a decade ago showing its rotting facade still standing as a relic of
mid-20th-century roadside Americana. Nearby, an abandoned garage, gas
station, and liquor store complex on the Griswold-Voluntown border adds
to the eerie vibe, with little historical info available beyond its
gradual decay.
Just over the line in adjacent Voluntown but within
the sprawling Pachaug State Forest that touches Griswold, the Old Stone
House at Hodge Pond is a haunting ruin of what was once an opulent
early-20th-century mansion (with possibly older 18th- or 19th-century
foundations). Abandoned after the state acquired the land in the 1930s
and reportedly burned it down instead of demolishing it fully, the site
now rises like a forgotten castle amid the trees, overgrown and
rubble-strewn, though no specific ghost stories are tied to it.