2. Essex, Connecticut
• Essex, Connecticut was originally apart of
the Saybrook, Colony which was settled in
1635. This area was known as the
Potapoug Quarter and the official founding
of Essex was in 1648.
• Since Essex, Ct was a very small town,
three families lived and owned land these
families were the Pratt's, Hides, and Lays.
• In 1854 Connecticut legislator decided to
separate Essex and Essex Village. Essex
Village would become the town of Essex.
Centerbrook and Ivoryton would become
apart of the town 5 years later.
• The town of Essex is very unique because
it is made up of three villages Centerbrook,
Essex, and Ivoryton.
• Essex is the home to 6,500 people.
3. The Connecticut
River Museum
• The historical significance of the
Connecticut River Museum dates
back to 1878 when the building was
being used as a warehouse for
steamboats.
• In 1974 a foundation with the desire
to open a museum that would
preserve the history of the
Connecticut River was formed.
Soon after the foundation was
formed they were able to purchase
the building and surrounding docks.
• In 2012, the museum was able to
purchase the Samuel Lay House
which expanded their abilities to
share stories about the Connecticut
River.
4. The Griswold Inn
• The Griswold Inn was established during the time of the
American Revolution. The warship Oliver Cromwell was built
under the leadership of Uriah Hayden. While the Cromwell was
being built, Hayden would house and provide food and drinks
(alcohol) for his workers, suppliers, and other revolutionaries.
• After the Revolutionary War. The regular service of the
steamboat which began on the Connecticut River in 1824.
Provided the populous with a way to travel. The increased size
in the steamboats allowed for a continuous service from
Hartford and New York included in the service was a stop in
Essex.
• The Griswold Inn was the site for the 1840 protests for women
who disagreed with the Temperance Movement.
• In the 20th century when prohibition was beginning take hold,
The Gris was place that people could count on for Alcoholic
beverages. While the Gris had it’s share of raids and fines the
inn would up and running again in no time.
• In 1995 the Griswold Inn was purchased and has been
preserved by the Paul family.
• The Griswold has also been featured in several movies, credits
include the 1959 It Happened to Jane, 1961 Parish, and 2008’s
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
5. Essex Steam Train
& Riverboat
• Before the the steam train was
established in 1868. There was a first
attempt in 1830 but it was not
successful.
• Through 1868-1869 crews worked on
mapping a line from Hartford to
Saybrook Point. Building began in
1870 and was completed in the summer
of 1871.
• August 24,1871 began the first official
train rides and was officially opened for
business.
• In July of 1880 the Hartford and
Connecticut Valley Railroad went on to
control the steam train. After a time the
Hartford and Connecticut valley joined
with the New Haven system.
• In July of 1971
