Essex, Connecticut

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.

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.

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.

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

• http://www.exhistory.org/history-of-essex-ct.htm

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connecticut_River_Museum

• http://www.ctrivermuseum.org/about-us/history-mission/

• http://www.griswoldinn.com/about/about_us.html

• http://essexsteamtrain.com/about/history/

Sources