Groton is a town located in southeastern Connecticut, renowned for its rich maritime heritage and scenic coastal landscapes. The picturesque village of Mystic, a popular tourist destination, is situated in the eastern portion of Groton. Originally settled by Europeans in 1646 as part of New London under John Winthrop Jr., Groton has grown into a vibrant community with a population of around 38,762 as of 2025. The area played a significant role in American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War, and today it's home to key naval facilities like the Naval Submarine Base New London.
Groton offers a variety of historical and educational attractions
that highlight its military and seafaring past.
Fort Griswold
Battlefield State Park (contact: +1 860 449-6877). This historic site
commemorates the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781, where American forces
defended against British troops led by Benedict Arnold. Visitors can
explore the fort's ruins, climb the monument for panoramic views of the
Thames River and Long Island Sound, and learn about the site's
significance through exhibits and walking trails. The park is open
year-round during daylight hours, with the monument and museum typically
available from Memorial Day to Labor Day (check for seasonal updates).
U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum (1 Crystal Lake Road; toll-free:
+1-800-343-0079). Open daily from mid-May to mid-October (9 AM–5 PM) and
in winter from Wednesday to Monday (9 AM–4 PM, Tuesdays 1–5 PM). Easily
accessible via I-95 Exit 86, this museum boasts an extensive collection
of submarine artifacts and serves as the home of the USS Nautilus, the
world's first nuclear-powered submarine launched in 1954. Exhibits trace
the evolution of submarine technology from the Revolutionary War era
through modern times, including interactive displays on underwater
navigation and life aboard subs. Admission is free, including a
self-guided tour of the Nautilus itself, though donations are encouraged
to support preservation efforts.
Additional highlights include
the Mystic Seaport Museum in the Mystic village area, which features
restored 19th-century ships, a working shipyard, and exhibits on
maritime history—perfect for families or history buffs. Bluff Point
State Park offers coastal hiking trails, birdwatching, and beach access
along Long Island Sound. For a unique twist, check out the Avery Point
Lighthouse on the UConn Avery Point campus, a restored 1940s structure
with ocean views, or explore the Gungywamp archaeological site for
ancient stone structures and Native American history.
Beyond sightseeing, Groton provides plenty of recreational options
for active visitors.
Groton Bowling Center (27 Kings Highway). A
classic spot for indoor fun, offering lanes for casual bowling, leagues,
and parties. It's family-friendly with arcade games and snacks
available—great for rainy days or group outings.
Expand your
itinerary with outdoor activities like hiking at Sheep Farm or Bluff
Point State Park, where trails wind through woodlands and along the
shoreline for picnics and wildlife spotting. Beachgoers can relax at
Eastern Point Beach or enjoy fishing charters like Hel-Cat II. For
evening entertainment, join a Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour or a Mystic
Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour to delve into local legends. Other options
include sailing cruises on the Argia, visiting the Mystic Aquarium
(adjacent to Mystic village), or exploring art at the Mystic Museum of
Art.
Groton is conveniently accessible by multiple modes of
transportation, making it an easy destination from nearby major cities.
By Car: From New Haven or Providence, follow Interstate 95 to Exit
30 or continue on U.S. Route 1. From Worcester, take Interstate 395
south to Connecticut Route 85, then connect to I-95 or U.S. Route 1.
Expect potential traffic during summer beach seasons or rush hours.
By Train: Amtrak provides regional service along the Northeast Corridor,
connecting southern Connecticut to New York City and points south, as
well as to Providence, Boston, and northern destinations. The nearest
station is in New London, just across the Thames River from Groton, with
easy local connections via bus or taxi.
By Plane: Groton–New London
Airport (GON IATA, 155 Tower Avenue; +1-860-445-8549) handles general
aviation but offers no commercial scheduled flights. For commercial
options, fly into larger nearby airports: Bradley International Airport
(BDL IATA) in Windsor Locks (about 60 miles away), T.F. Green Airport
(PVD IATA) in Warwick, Rhode Island (around 50 miles), or the regional
Westerly State Airport (WST IATA). From these, rent a car, take a bus,
or use rideshare services like Uber for the final leg (e.g., from
Hartford to Groton takes about 3 hours via bus and train).
Additional options include bus services via Greyhound (stops in New
London) or local Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) buses for intra-regional
travel. For a scenic approach, consider ferries like Cross Sound Ferry
from Long Island to New London or the Thames River Water Taxi for short
crossings.
For shopping in Groton, consider visiting the Groton Shopping Plaza,
which offers a diverse selection of stores including R & B Apparel for
clothing, The Clever Kobold for unique games and collectibles, Sew It
All for crafting supplies, and Wonderlosity for eclectic gifts. You'll
also find international groceries at Raj Cash N Carry and
budget-friendly options at the Discount Furniture Outlet. This open-air
center provides convenient parking and a mix of local and specialty
shops, making it a great spot for everyday needs or browsing.
It's
praised for its variety and accessibility in local reviews. Other
notable options include national chains like Kohl's for department store
deals, T.J. Maxx for discounted fashion and home goods, and Marshalls
for similar bargains on designer items.
Nestled at 527 Long Hill Road, Koto Japanese Steakhouse might suggest
a focus on steaks, but it truly echoes the style of Benihana with its
lively Teppanyaki grills where chefs perform entertaining culinary shows
right at your table.
What sets it apart, however, is its outstanding
sushi bar, helmed by a highly skilled Japanese chef renowned for
innovative creations using fresh fish imported directly from Japan. The
menu features a wide array of options, including popular rolls like
California, Philadelphia, Spicy Tuna, Alaska, and Rainbow, as well as
hibachi entrees with fresh seafood, tender steaks, and vegetarian
choices. Diners rave about the fresh ingredients, beautiful plating, and
full-service bar, with many noting that the sushi rivals top spots in
New York and far surpasses local competitors. Operating hours include
lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM on
weekdays, with slightly adjusted times on weekends (noon to 9:00 PM on
Sundays). Reviews highlight the spacious venue with multiple hibachi
tables, excellent service, and value, though some suggest keeping
expectations realistic for a casual, fun dining experience.
When it comes to enjoying a drink in Groton, Ryan's Pub stands out as
a welcoming veteran-owned spot offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for
unwinding. Located conveniently in town, it features happy hour specials
seven days a week, a selection of craft beers, cocktails, and bottled
options, alongside reasonably priced pub fare like appetizers and
entrees. It's an ideal place to catch sports games on multiple screens,
with patrons appreciating the friendly vibe and great food.
Other top
bars include Outer Light Brewing Company for local craft brews, The
Oasis Pub for a cozy dive feel, and 33 Golden Street for live music and
events.
The Hampton Inn Groton, situated at 300 Long Hill Road (phone: +1 860
405-1585, fax: +1 860 446-8456), provides a comfortable stay with
check-in at 3:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM. Conveniently located off
I-95 for easy access from north or south, this four-story hotel boasts
80 rooms, including four king suites. Guests enjoy complimentary perks
like a deluxe hot breakfast, free high-speed WiFi, and parking.
Amenities include an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, a business
center with an ATM, and a snack bar.
Rooms feature connecting
options, digital keys, streaming entertainment, tea/coffee makers, and
non-smoking environments. Reviews commend the friendly staff, clean and
renovated rooms, and overall value, though some note minor issues like
noisy beds or basic bathroom setups. It's rated highly for groups at
around 8.6 out of 10.
Next, the Baymont by Wyndham Groton/Mystic at
360 Route 12 (phone: +1 860-445-8000, fax: +1 860-449-9173) offers
check-in at 4:00 PM and check-out at noon. This hotel includes an indoor
pool (though occasionally closed for maintenance), a fitness center, a
restaurant serving dinner and to-go breakfast, a bar/lounge, and room
service. Rooms come with free WiFi, tea/coffee makers, microwaves,
mini-fridges, and comfortable beds.
Additional features like vending
machines, elevators, and a jacuzzi add convenience, along with a full
continental breakfast. Guests appreciate the clean rooms, helpful staff,
and location, but some reviews mention occasional drawbacks such as
outdated elements, non-functional amenities like cable TV or ice
machines, and staffing shortages. Overall, it earns a moderate rating
around 6.2, with praise for comfort and value.
Finally, the Mystic
Marriott Hotel and Spa at 625 North Road (Route 117) (phone: +1 860
446-2600, toll-free: +1-866-449-7390, fax: +1 860 446-2601) is a modern
retreat with 285 rooms across six floors, including six suites. Check-in
and check-out times align with standard hotel practices. Highlights
include a heated indoor pool, a 24/7 fitness center, the Helmsman
Kitchen & Bar for crafted dishes and cocktails, an on-site Starbucks,
and a full-service spa for relaxing treatments.
Rooms offer
pillow-top mattresses, pull-out sofas, mini-fridges, coffeemakers,
flat-screen TVs, safes, and workspaces. Guests love the cleanliness,
attentive service, modern design, and amenities like the bar and
restaurant, with high marks for dining (5/5) and service (5/5). Some
note minor issues like room temperature control or staffing during busy
times, but overall ratings are strong, often highlighting the quiet
location and excellent facilities.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous History
Before European arrival, the
area now known as Groton, Connecticut, was the homeland of the Pequot
people, a branch of the Mohawk tribe who had migrated eastward into the
Connecticut River Valley. Around 8,000 Pequots lived across southeastern
Connecticut in up to 20 villages, each housing 50 to 400 people,
primarily along the Thames and Mystic rivers. They engaged in trade with
Dutch settlers starting in 1614, exchanging furs for European goods like
steel knives, needles, and boots, while also warring with neighboring
tribes for control of trade routes. The Pequots, under powerful sachem
Sassacus in the 1630s, maintained a fort and village on the west side of
the Mystic River. However, European diseases devastated their population
before 1635.
The Pequot War (1636–1637) marked a turning point.
English forces, led by Captain John Mason and supported by Mohegan and
Narragansett allies, attacked the Pequot fort at Mystic in 1637, burning
it and killing hundreds of men, women, and children in what became known
as the Mystic Massacre. Sassacus fled to Mohawk territory in New York
but was killed by them. Survivors scattered, with some relocating to
Noank and Mashantucket. Robin Cassacinamon, a Pequot leader, helped
reunite survivors and gained the trust of English settler John Winthrop
Jr. In 1651, the Connecticut Colony established a Pequot reservation in
Noank for fishing rights, but by 1720, English pressure forced them
inland to the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation (established 1666), where
descendants remain today.
European Settlement and Incorporation
European settlement began after the Pequot War. In 1646, John Winthrop
Jr., son of the Massachusetts Bay Colony governor, founded Pequot
Plantation (later New London) at the mouth of the Thames River, marking
the start of organized English presence in the region. A trading post
was established in 1649 by Jonathan Brewster, son of Plymouth Colony
leader William Brewster. Early settlers east of the Thames focused on
farming, though the rocky soil was poor, leading them to rely on
waterways for commerce and trade with Massachusetts and Plymouth
colonies for essentials like food, tools, and weapons.
By 1703, a
meetinghouse was built, serving as both church and town hall. The
population growth east of the river prompted separation from New London;
in 1705, the Connecticut General Assembly incorporated the area as the
Town of Groton, named after the Winthrop family estate in Suffolk,
England. Cary Latham became the first permanent English settler on the
east bank in 1655, operating a ferry. The original town center was at
the intersection of modern Routes 184 and 117, and Groton included what
is now Ledyard until its separation in 1836. Early economy revolved
around grist and saw mills on the Poquonnock River, with shipbuilding
emerging along the Thames and Mystic rivers, supported by blacksmiths,
coopers, sailmakers, and rope makers.
Colonial Period and Early
Industry
In the colonial era, Groton residents built ships for trade,
including a 20-ton brigantine by John Leeds, a 67-ton vessel by Thomas
Starr, and a 100-ton brig by Thomas Latham. These ships traded
profitably in the Caribbean and West Indies, with Groton producing the
largest commercial sailing vessel in the colonies. Farming involved
enslaved labor; for instance, Captain Christopher Avery owned Jubee,
while some African Americans like James Right (paid servant) and Prince
William (free man) were not enslaved. The Boston Post Road, built in the
1690s, connected Groton to major cities, making Center Groton a hub with
the first church, school, tavern, and stagecoach stop.
Shipbuilding
boomed post-1705, with 60 vessels constructed between 1784 and 1807,
though halted by the Embargo Act. Whaling and sealing became prominent
after the War of 1812, with Mystic emerging as a key port by 1846.
Captains like Ebenezer Morgan amassed fortunes; his 1865 voyage yielded
$150,000, and he raised the first U.S. flag in Alaska in 1868,
collecting 45,000 seal skins. Groton Bank, on the east bank, grew into a
village focused on shipbuilding, trade, and commerce, home to whaling
captains.
American Revolution
Groton played a significant role
in the Revolution, sending privateers against British commerce. The most
notable event was the Battle of Groton Heights on September 6, 1781, the
only major Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut. British forces,
1,700 strong under Benedict Arnold (a Connecticut native turned
traitor), landed at the Thames River mouth. Arnold burned supplies in
New London, while 800 troops attacked Fort Griswold, defended by 164
Americans under Colonel William Ledyard. After heavy fighting, the
British overran the fort; Ledyard surrendered but was killed by Major
Stephen Bromfield. American losses: 85 killed, 60 wounded (including
enslaved defenders Jordan Freeman and Latham Lambert); British: 52
killed, 145 wounded. A 134-foot monument, erected in 1830, commemorates
the event at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park.
Post-Revolution and War of 1812
Post-Revolution, shipping and
commerce flourished, with vessels like the Victory (1784) and Nancy
(1787) built for trade. The War of 1812 disrupted this; declared in June
1812, it led to a British blockade of the Thames River, ruining local
trade. Residents feared a repeat of 1781 and fled inland, building Fort
Rachel for defense. On June 1, 1813, a British fleet under Sir Thomas
Hardy trapped Commodore Stephen Decatur's squadron; Decatur fortified
Fort Griswold. Militia, including Major Noyes Barber's regiment,
reinforced defenses. Raids occurred nearby, but Groton avoided direct
attack. Locals captured British prizes, including a sloop worth $6,000
and an attempted torpedo strike on HMS Ramillies. The war ended in
February 1815.
19th Century: Civil War and Industrial Growth
The 1849 California Gold Rush spurred clipper ship construction; the
Mystic-built Andrew Jackson (1859) set a speed record from New York to
San Francisco. During the Civil War, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles
commissioned ironclads; Groton built the USS Galena (launched February
1862), which fought valiantly despite damage. 56 steamships were
produced for the government. Post-war, shipbuilding shifted to iron
vessels at yards like Palmer (est. 1827) and Noank. A railroad arrived
in 1852, with a Thames bridge in 1889. The U.S. Navy established a yard
in 1872 (New London Navy Yard), becoming a submarine base in 1915
(renamed 1916). The first diesel-powered submarine was built in 1912.
20th Century: Submarine Era and Modern Developments
The Borough
of Groton was incorporated in 1903 (now City of Groton, chartered 1964),
distinct from the town. Trolleys operated from 1904 to 1928, replaced by
buses. Groton-New London Airport opened in 1929. Shipbuilding pivoted to
submarines on the Thames; Electric Boat (est. 1911 as a subsidiary)
launched the USS Cuttlefish (1931). During World War II, it delivered 74
diesel submarines, producing one every two weeks. In 1954, the USS
Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched;
it's now a museum exhibit at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in
Goss Cove.
Groton earned the title "Submarine Capital of the World"
with the Naval Submarine Base New London and General Dynamics Electric
Boat as major employers. Other industries include pharmaceuticals
(Pfizer research facility) and precision castings. Historic districts
like Groton Bank preserve Colonial to early 20th-century architecture,
including Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Key sites
include Bluff Point, Haley Farm, and Fort Griswold state parks; the
University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus (former estate); and the
Submarine Force Museum. As of 2020, the population was 38,411, with
Groton serving as a regional hub for commerce, industry, and tourism.
Groton, located along the Connecticut shoreline, has a rich history
tied to maritime activities, Revolutionary War battles, and colonial
settlements, which have given rise to numerous ghost stories and
legends. Many of these hauntings are centered around historic sites,
inns, and lighthouses, with reports of apparitions, strange sounds, and
unexplained phenomena. Mystic, a historic village partially within
Groton, also contributes significantly to the area's eerie reputation.
New London Ledge Lighthouse: This iconic lighthouse, situated in the
waters off Groton, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper
known as "Ernie," who allegedly committed suicide in the tower after
being accused of negligence. Visitors and paranormal investigators have
reported hearing strange noises, such as footsteps and whispers, and
feeling an eerie presence watching them. The structure's isolated
location adds to its mysterious allure.
Fort Griswold: This
Revolutionary War-era fort was the site of a brutal 1781 battle where
British forces, led by Benedict Arnold, massacred American defenders
after their surrender, resulting in about 85 deaths. The grounds are
believed to be haunted by the restless spirits of slain soldiers, with
reports of electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) capturing British-accented
voices, glowing orbs in photos, apparitions in the Avery House, and even
the voice of a young girl reciting her ABCs in the staff headquarters.
The tragic history of betrayal and violence is thought to fuel the
paranormal activity here.
Captain Daniel Packer Inne (Mystic):
Built in the mid-18th century, this historic inn in Mystic is haunted by
the spirit of its namesake, Captain Daniel Packer, a Revolutionary War
veteran and sea captain. Guests report heavy footsteps in empty rooms,
glassware moving on its own, and doors slamming shut. Additionally, the
ghost of Ada Byron Clift, a young girl who died of scarlet fever in the
19th century, is often heard laughing or seen running through hallways
and appearing on staircases or in restrooms; one child visitor even
claimed to have played hide-and-seek with her.
Whitehall Mansion
(Mystic): This 18th-century Dutch Colonial home, once owned by Dr.
Dudley Woodbridge and now a bed and breakfast, is haunted by the ghost
of his daughter, Lucy. Paranormal experiences include disembodied
laughter echoing through the halls and doors mysteriously opening and
closing to startle guests. The adjacent cemetery, with graves dating
back centuries, enhances the site's spooky atmosphere.
Mystic Seaport
Museum: At this maritime museum, the historic whaling ship Charles W.
Morgan is reportedly haunted by a 19th-century sailor seen smoking a
pipe in the blubber room. Employees have felt the presence of deceased
colleagues, and paranormal groups have confirmed sightings, suggesting
that some spirits remain "on duty" long after death.
The Mariner
Restaurant (Mystic): This restaurant on Main Street is visited by the
ghost of a former regular patron. Staff have witnessed glasses falling
from shelves, flickering lights, and bar stools mysteriously relocated
to the spirit's favorite spot overnight, as if enjoying an after-hours
drink.
Mystic River Bascule Bridge: Spanning the Mystic River between
Groton and Stonington, this 1922 drawbridge is tied to the urban legend
of the "Pigman," a cryptid described as a large man with a pig's head
who was reportedly seen drowning a woman in the 1970s. Locals claim he
still lurks near the bridge, watching for potential victims.
Groton
Inn/Red Brook Inn: Historic inns in the area, such as the Red Brook Inn
(built in 1770 in Old Mystic) and the former Groton Inn, are associated
with female apparitions. At Red Brook, the ghost of Nancy Crary, a
gray-haired woman, has been spotted wandering. At the Groton Inn, rooms
have been found inexplicably torn apart after cleaning, and a spirit
named Gussie, a former owner, is seen on upper floors near the old
ballroom.
Avery Memorial: This site, possibly a library or part of
Fort Griswold's structures, is haunted by the ghost of a former
librarian, with reports of footsteps and shadowy figures appearing
unexpectedly.
Groton's abandoned sites often blend historical ruins with natural
overgrowth, reflecting its indigenous, colonial, and military past.
These locations attract explorers interested in archaeology, history,
and the macabre, though many are protected or restricted.
Gungywamp: Tucked away in the woods of Groton, this archaeological site
features ancient stone chambers, rock piles, stone circles, and
artifacts dating back to at least 1500 B.C. It shows evidence of Native
American use (by tribes like the Pequot or Mohegan), colonial
modifications (possibly as root cellars or mills), and even potential
slave habitation. Mysteries abound, including theories of pre-Columbian
Celtic monks building the structures or the site being an energy vortex
with electromagnetic anomalies (attributed to local rocks like quartz
and magnetite). One chamber aligns with equinox sunlight, and there's an
eagle petroglyph on a ledge. The site is stewarded by the Denison
Pequotsepos Nature Center and accessible via guided tours.
Shepherd of the Sea Chapel (also known as Crystal Chapel): Built in
1965-1966 as a multi-faith chapel for naval personnel at the nearby
Submarine Base New London, this A-frame structure served Catholic,
Protestant, Jewish, and other congregations. Expansions included a
community center in 1975 and a school in 1992. It hosted its last
service in 2012, was auctioned in 2016, briefly reopened as a wedding
venue until 2021, and has since been abandoned. The property now shows
severe decay: boarded-up and shattered windows, graffiti, vandalism,
black mold, debris like broken organ pipes and scattered toys, and
compromised structures across the chapel, school, and community
buildings.