Article Summary: Historic Sites In Connecticut
Historic Sites In Connecticut. More Than Just Parks has 15 incredible must-see sites for you to visit.
I’ve been to so many of these amazing places since retiring from teaching in 2018. Did I mention that I taught history? I spent a lifetime teaching about the history behind these momentous sites. Then I got to see them firsthand. And now I’m sharing the stories of these incredible places with you. It doesn’t get any better than that!
I’m going to give you my list of the 15 Historic Sites In Connecticut that you’ll want to see.
This list includes national park sites (as in sites managed by the National Park Service) as opposed to national parks. It also includes sites not managed by the National Park Service. After all, we’re more than just parks!
One book that I highly recommend is: Connecticut Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table Of Contents: Historic Sites In Connecticut
Top 15 Historic Sites In Connecticut
15. Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
From hiking to sailing, cross-country skiing to designer outlet shopping, riding a roller coaster to being a high roller at the casino, there is so much to do in Connecticut, you won’t know what to experience first.
When it comes to experiencing Connecticut, however, More Than Just Parks has 15 amazing historic sites for you to see. And we’re kicking off out list at #15 with the Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden.
The Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden is located in Woodbury, Connecticut. The house was built in 1740 as a rectory for the Episcopal church, and it served as the residence for several prominent clergymen over the years. In the mid-19th century, it became a private home and underwent significant renovations and additions.
In the early 20th century, the house was purchased by artist and preservationist Frances L. M. Russel, who restored the property and established the Gertrude Jekyll Garden.
Jekyll was a renowned English garden designer who collaborated with many prominent architects and artists of her time. The garden at the Glebe House is one of only two in North America that was designed by Jekyll.
A Garden Featuring A Series Of Outdoor Rooms
The garden features a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own unique design and character. Visitors can stroll through formal flower beds, a herb garden, a wildflower meadow, and a shaded woodland area. The garden also includes several sculptures, water features, and architectural elements, all carefully integrated into the natural landscape.
Today, the Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden is open to the public as a museum and cultural center. Visitors can tour the historic house and garden, learn about the property’s rich history and significance, and attend educational programs and cultural events throughout the year.
The site is an important example of early American architecture and landscape design, as well as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gertrude Jekyll and her innovative approach to garden design.
14. Historic Putnam Cottage
At #14 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is a historic building served as a tavern and stagecoach stop on the Boston Post Road during the colonial era. Welcome to Putnam Cottage.
Putnam Cottage, also known as Knapp Tavern, is a historic building located in Greenwich, Connecticut. The cottage was built in 1692.
The cottage played an important role in the American Revolution. In February 1779, General Israel Putnam, a hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill, was stationed in Greenwich with his troops. The cottage served as his headquarters during the winter months. Putnam is said to have planned military strategy and met with fellow officers there.
During this time, Putnam narrowly escaped capture by British troops who had infiltrated the area. Legend has it that he rode down the steep slope behind the cottage on his horse to evade capture, a feat that has become known as “Putnam’s Escape.”
In the years following the Revolutionary War, the cottage was used as a private residence and a boarding house. In the early 20th century, it was purchased by the Greenwich Historical Society and restored as a museum.
Today, the cottage is open to the public and offers visitors a glimpse into life during colonial times, as well as the history of the American Revolution and General Israel Putnam.
The museum includes exhibits on the history of Greenwich and its role in the Revolutionary War, as well as period rooms furnished with 18th-century antiques.
13. Harkness Mansion & Park
We move from an historic cottage to an historic mansion. At #13 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is Harkness Mansion.
The Harkness Mansion, also known as Eolia, is a historic mansion and surrounding park located in Waterford, Connecticut. The mansion was built in the early 1900s as a summer home for the Harkness family. They were wealthy industrialists and philanthropists.
The Harkness family was known for their contributions to the arts, education, and public health.
The Harkness Mansion was designed by James Gamble Rogers. Rogers was known for his work on prestigious institutions such as Yale University and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The mansion is a grand, Beaux-Arts style building, with a limestone exterior and a grand entrance hall with a marble staircase. The surrounding gardens were designed by the renowned landscape architect Beatrix Jones Farrand.
The Mansion Was A Summer Home
The Harkness family used the mansion as a summer home for several decades, entertaining guests and hosting events. After the family’s death, the mansion was donated to the state of Connecticut, and it was opened as a public park in the 1970s.
The park’s grounds are open year-round and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the gardens, the waterfront, and the nature trails.
The park also offers visitors to take a guided tour of the Eolia mansion, and the mansion’s gardens are open to the public during the summer, with guided tours and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting.
12. Osborne Homestead
There are so many amazing historic properties in Connecticut. Our next site is another case in point. At #12 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is the Osborne Homestead.
The Osborne Homestead is a historic property located in Derby, Connecticut. The homestead was originally built in 1840 by Thomas Osborne, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune in the carriage-making industry. The property remained in the Osborne family for several generations, and it underwent a number of changes over the years.
In 1919, the property was inherited by Frances Osborne Kellogg, a prominent philanthropist and socialite. Frances and her husband, George Kellogg, renovated the house extensively and turned it into a grand estate. They also added several outbuildings, including a carriage house and a greenhouse.
Frances Osborne Kellogg was known for her philanthropy, and she used the estate as a base for her charitable activities. She was a vocal advocate for women’s rights and was active in many social causes. In 1924, she donated the property to the State of Connecticut to be used as a park and wildlife sanctuary.
Over the years, the Osborne Homestead has been used for a variety of purposes, including as a training center for the Women’s Army Corps during World War II.
Today, the property is open to the public and is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Visitors can tour the house and gardens and learn about the history of the Osborne family and their contributions to the community.
11. Fort Trumbull
Now if you love military history you’ll enjoy our next historic. At #11, we have Fort Trumbull.
Fort Trumbull is a historic fortification located in New London, Connecticut, on the bank of the Thames River. It has a long and storied history, playing a significant role in several key events in American history.
The fort was originally built in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War, as a defensive measure to protect the coast of Connecticut from British attacks. The fort played a critical role during the war, with its cannons providing cover for American ships and troops. After the war, the fort was largely abandoned and fell into disrepair.
During the War of 1812, the fort was rebuilt and fortified once again, this time with stronger defenses and more advanced weaponry. It played a key role in repelling a British attack on New London in 1813.
In the years that followed, the fort was expanded and modernized several times, with new buildings and gun batteries added to its defenses. During World War II, the fort was used as a training center for Navy personnel and as a base for coastal defense operations.
In the 1950s, the fort was decommissioned and turned over to the State of Connecticut. It was later acquired by the City of New London, which turned it into a state park and historic site.
Today, the fort is open to the public and features a museum, a visitor center, and several restored buildings and fortifications. Visitors can tour the fort, learn about its history, and enjoy views of the Thames River and Long Island Sound.
Top 10 Historic Sites In Connecticut
10. Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
We’re on to our Top 10 Historic Sites In Connecticut with a trail that traces the route of the American and French armies during the Revolutionary War. At #10 is the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.
It was established in 2009 and covers over 600 miles of land in the northeastern United States, including parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
The trail commemorates the 1781 march of the combined American and French armies, commanded by General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, from Newport, Rhode Island to Yorktown, Virginia.
The trail is designed to provide a way for visitors to learn about the events and people of the Revolutionary War, and the trail includes historic sites, museums, and interpretive centers that provide information and context about the march of the armies and the impact of the war on the region.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Revolutionary War Sites In America
9. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
We’ve got more Revolutionary War history for you. At #9 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a Connecticut state park that commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that took place there in 1781.
The battle was fought between the British troops under the command of General Benedict Arnold and the American troops under the command of Colonel William Ledyard. The fort was built by the American colonials to protect the port of New London and the surrounding area from British attack.
On September 6, 1781, the British, under the command of Arnold, who had switched sides to the British, launched a surprise attack on the fort, overpowering the American defenders. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the American soldiers fought bravely, but were eventually forced to surrender.
The British Caused Significant Damage To The Town
The battle was brutal, with many American soldiers killed or wounded, and many others taken as prisoners. The British then proceeded to loot and burn New London, causing significant damage to the town.
After the war, the fort was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the early 20th century, the state of Connecticut acquired the land and restored the fort, and it was opened as a state park in 1902.
Today, visitors can tour the fort, which has been restored to its appearance during the Revolutionary War, and learn about the history of the battle through interpretive exhibits and guided tours.
The park also includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitors center with additional information about the park’s history and resources.
CHECK OUT: 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In New Jersey
8. Nathan Hale Homestead
Continuing with our Revolutionary War theme, our next historic site pays homage to an American soldier and spy during the American Revolutionary War who was best known for his execution by the British for espionage. Welcome to the Nathan Hale Homestead.
Nathan Hale was a Captain in the Continental Army. He was appointed as a spy to gather information about the British army in New York City. He was captured by the British and found guilty of espionage.
Before his execution, he is reported to have made a famous speech, in which he said “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Nathan Hale is considered a martyr and a hero in American history, known for his bravery and selflessness in the service of his country. He is often remembered as a symbol of the revolutionary cause and his execution is seen as a rallying point for the Patriots during the war.
Things To See & Do
The Homestead, which was built in 1776, is decorated with pieces actually owned by the Hale family and period antiques.
Additionally, in the summer, the grounds are used for the Coventry Farmers’ Market, making this both a historical and tasty visit.
The Nathan Hale Homestead can be visited with a guided tour, but opening times vary depending on the season, so it is best to check their website.
CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)
7. Submarine Force Museum
We move from the Revolutionary War to the Nuclear Age. At #7 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is the Submarine Force Museum.
Located in Groton, CT., the Submarine Force Museum, which contains 33,000 artifacts, is the only submarine museum managed exclusively by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the Navy. It’s a repository for many special submarine items of national significance, including USS Nautilus (SSN-571).
The Nautilus was America’s first nuclear-powered submarine. It traveled under the polar ice cap and reached the North Pole during the Cold War.
The museum also has a library with around 20,000 documents and 30,000 photos related to the history of submarine development.
The library also includes 6,000 books related to the field of submarine history, including a 1551 text on submarine retrieval, and an 1870 copy of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with a model of the fictional Nautilus.
Documents in the collection include notes and calculations by John Philip Holland for the Navy’s first commissioned submarine, one-of-a-kind artifacts from World Wars One and Two, and the submarine library collections of Electric Boat Corporation and the Navy.
CHECK OUT: 20 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In New York
6. New England National Scenic Trail
Our next historic site is a national scenic trail. At #6 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Connecticut is the New England National Scenic Trail.
The New England National Scenic Trail, also known as the “Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail”, is a 215-mile long trail that runs from Long Island Sound in Connecticut to the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.
The trail was first proposed in the 1960s by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and it officially opened in 2009 after several decades of planning, fundraising and trail building.
A Trail Named For The Mountain Ranges It Traverses
It’s named for the three mountain ranges it traverses: the Metacomet Ridge in Connecticut, the Monadnock Mountain in Massachusetts and the Mattabesett Mountain in Connecticut.
The trail passes through some of the most diverse and scenic landscapes in New England, including forest, wetlands, and rocky ridges with views of the surrounding countryside.
The trail also passes through a number of state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas, including Pachaug State Forest, the Hanging Hills, and the Talcott Mountain State Park.
In 2009, the trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 such trails in the United States. This designation provides recognition and federal funding for the trail’s preservation and promotion.
The trail is maintained by a partnership of federal and state agencies, local land trusts, and volunteer organizations, and it is open to the public for hiking, camping and outdoor recreation.
CHECK OUT: 15 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In Pennsylvania
Top 5 Historic Sites In Connecticut
5. The Harriet Beecher Stowe House
We’re on to the Top 5 Historic Sites In Connecticut. At #5 is a place which honors the woman whose best-selling novel was a powerful indictment of the institution of slavery. It’s the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a historic house located in Hartford, Connecticut, which was the home of the famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe. The house has a rich history, both as a private residence and as a symbol of the struggle against slavery.
Harriet Beecher Stowe and her husband, Calvin Stowe, purchased the house in 1873, after they had already achieved great success with the publication of Harriet’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”. The couple lived in the house for the remainder of their lives, and it was in this house that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote many of her later works.
The house was later acquired by the Stowe-Day Foundation, which restored it and opened it to the public as a museum. Today, visitors can tour the house and learn about the life and work of Harriet Beecher Stowe, as well as the history of the abolitionist movement in the United States.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is also a significant symbol of the struggle against slavery. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” played a key role in turning public opinion against slavery in the United States.
The house itself became a symbol of this struggle, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
Today, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is a popular destination for visitors to Hartford, Connecticut, who are interested in learning more about the life and work of one of America’s greatest authors and social activists.
CHECK OUT: 10 BEST Civil War Sites In America
4. Coltsville National Historical Park
We’re on to the “Final Four” At #4 is a place which honors the man whose revolver helped to bring about the winning of the American West. Welcome to Coltsville National Historical Park.
When Samuel Colt started his Hartford factory on the banks of the Connecticut River in 1847, it followed years of mismanagement and failure. Soon, demand for Colt’s revolver would change his fortunes and the Colt empire was born.
Following Colt’s untimely death in 1862, his wife, Elizabeth Colt, would lead the company to its legendary status, and influence Hartford for over 40 years.
Things To Do At Coltsville
I recommend the guided walking tour. Using the Coltsville NHP App, you can visit eleven different sites all while learning about Samuel Colt and Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt.
While you’re there, you should also check out the Blue Onion Dome. It’s a bright blue dome, dusted with stars and topped by a rearing colt on top of a globe. This stunning monument has been a part of the city since 1855.
It sits on top of what was Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company.
The dome is a reminder of Samuel Colt, his factory, his family, and their contributions to the industry of precision manufacturing in Hartford and the world.
CHECK OUT: 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In Vermont
3. Mark Twain House
Our #3 historic site honors a literary legend who many considered to be the most important author of his generation. It’s the mark Twain House.
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30th, 1835, Mark Twain was one of the greatest American writers of all time.
Twain’s talents included that of an American humorist, novelist, and travel writer.
Today he is best remembered as the author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885).
Twain’s written works challenged the fundamental issues that faced the America of his time; racism, evolving landscapes, class barriers, access to education and more.
Each text he produced was careful to make clear and concise points on society as everyone knew it, with many of his writings still holding relevance today.
Every work stands as an outstanding achievement of authenticity, and there are autobiographical elements in all of them, featuring real places and experiences from Twain’s childhood to add further truth to his work.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
-mark twain
Things To See & Do
Here are some things you can do when you visit:
- Take a guided tour of the house: You can explore the beautifully restored Victorian Gothic mansion and learn about the history and architecture of the building.
- Visit the museum exhibits: The museum features a variety of exhibits on Mark Twain’s life and work, including artifacts, manuscripts, and photographs.
- Attend a lecture or program: The Mark Twain House offers a range of lectures, workshops, and performances throughout the year that celebrate the legacy of Mark Twain.
- Explore the gardens and grounds: The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds that are open to visitors. You can take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic on the lawn.
- Visit the museum shop: The museum shop offers a wide selection of books, souvenirs, and gifts related to Mark Twain and the house.
- Attend a special event: The Mark Twain House hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including holiday tours, literary festivals, and concerts.
- Take part in a writing workshop: The Mark Twain House offers writing workshops for aspiring writers of all ages and skill levels.
- Enjoy a cup of tea: The Nook Cafe, located in the carriage house, offers a selection of teas, coffee, and light refreshments.
- Visit nearby attractions: The Mark Twain House is located in the historic West End neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut, which is home to many other cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants.
2. Weir Farm National Historical Park
We’re on to the final 2 historic sites in Connecticut. In the runner-up spot at #2 is the Weir Farm National Historical Park.
Imagine a national park that’s all about art. Julian Alden Weir was an American impressionist painter and member of the Cos Cob Art Colony near Greenwich, Connecticut.
Today you can visit the home and studio of this amazing artist. And while you’re there you can walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.
Weir Farm National Historical Park is set amidst more than 60 acres of painterly woods, fields, and waterways, Weir described his home as the “Great Good Place.”
Things To Do
Here are some things you can do when you visit:
- Take a guided tour of the park: You can take a guided tour of the park’s historic buildings, gardens, and landscapes, and learn about the park’s history and the artists who lived and worked there.
- Explore the artist-in-residence program: The park hosts an artist-in-residence program, which allows artists to live and work in the park for a period of time. You can learn about the program and see the work of the current artist in residence.
- Hike the trails: The park has several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. You can hike the trails on your own or take a guided tour.
- Take a painting class: The park offers painting classes for visitors of all skill levels. You can learn how to paint in the style of the American Impressionists who lived and worked at Weir Farm.
- Attend a special event: The park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.
- Visit the Visitor Center: The Visitor Center features exhibits and information about the history of the park and the artists who lived and worked there.
- Take a picnic: The park has several picnic areas where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.
- Visit nearby attractions: The park is located near several other cultural attractions, including the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum and the Philip Johnson Glass House.
CHECK OUT: 25 Bucket List Famous Landmarks In America (MUST-SEE)
1. Mystic Seaport Museum
As the #1 Historic Site In Connecticut, More Than Just Parks has selected the Mystic Seaport Museum.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is dedicated to preserving America’s maritime heritage and showcasing the history of the country’s maritime industries. The museum was founded in 1929 by a group of maritime enthusiasts who were interested in preserving the country’s maritime heritage.
The museum is situated on the banks of the Mystic River and features a number of historic buildings and vessels. Many of the buildings were relocated to the museum from other locations in the region, while others were built on-site to replicate historic structures. The museum’s collection includes over 500 historic vessels, ranging from small boats to large sailing ships.
See The Charles W. Morgan
One of the highlights of the museum is the Charles W. Morgan, a historic whaling ship that was built in 1841. The ship was used for whaling expeditions for over 80 years and was eventually retired in 1921. The Charles W. Morgan was restored and brought to the Mystic Seaport Museum in 1941, where it has been on display ever since.
Over the years, the Mystic Seaport Museum has become a leading center for research and education in the field of maritime history. The museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops for students and adults, and it hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibits, and historic reenactments.
Today, the Mystic Seaport Museum is a popular tourist attraction and a leading center for maritime research and education. It continues to expand its collection and offer new exhibits and programs, while also preserving and celebrating the rich history of America’s maritime heritage.
List Of Historic Sites In Connecticut
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- Weir Farm National Historical Park
- Mark Twain House
- Coltsville National Historical Park
- Harriet Beecher Stowe House
- New England National Scenic Trail
- Submarine Force Museum
- Nathan Hale Homestead
- Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
- Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
- Fort Trumbull
- Nathan Hale’s Schoolhouse
- Harkness Mansion & Park
- Putnam Cottage
- Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden
Why Trust Us About Historic Sites In Connecticut?
We’re Jim Pattiz and Will Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers and we absolutely LOVE the national parks.
You should probably know that we don’t just make this stuff up out of thin air. We’ve spent our entire adult lives exploring and filming America’s national parks and public lands.
We’ve worked with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and more for years creating films on important places and issues. Our work has been featured in leading publications all over the world and even some people outside of our immediate family call us experts on the national parks.
And, in 2018, our father – having spent a lifetime teaching history – joined us so that he could help us to tell the stories behind these amazing places.
Meet The Parks Brothers
We Hope You’ll Follow Our Journey
Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation.
We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re interested in joining the adventure then sign up below!
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