THE HISTORY OF HADDAM, CT

By Michael Mercier

The Five Places in Haddam That We Visited and Researched

Brainerd Memorial Library Thirty Mile Island Thirty Mile Island Cemetery First Congregational Church of

Haddam Haddam Meadows State Park

Brainerd Memorial Library

This is a picture of Brainerd Memorial Library.

It is located on the East side of Saybrook Road on land donated by Ephraim P. Arnold.

Brainerd Memorial Library

It was built with money given by Cyprian Strong Brainerd in 1908 and added on to in 1996 .

It has always been used as a library.

Brainerd Memorial Library

An interesting fact we learned is that there is the Brainerd family Coat of Arms inside the library.

We included this in our project because it’s near my house, I go there often, and I wanted to know the history.

Thirty Mile Island

Thirty Mile Island

This is a picture of Thirty Mile Island.

It is located on the Connecticut River between Haddam and Haddam Neck.

Thirty Mile Island

First, Native Americans owned it. Then, the English owned it. After that, people from Haddam owned it.

It was used for fishing, hunting, growing corn, and grazing cattle.

Thirty Mile Island

An interesting fact we learned is that Captain Kidd’s treasure was buried here but has not been found.

We included this in our project because it’s right across the street and I wanted to learn about it.

Thirty Mile Island Cemetery

This is a picture of Thirty Mile Island Cemetery.

It is located on Route 154 across from the Thankful Arnold House.

Thirty Mile Island Cemetery

It was first laid out in 1662 but not formally made until 1667.

It has always been used for burying people. Many of the first people who lived in Haddam are buried here.

Thirty Mile Island Cemetery

An interesting fact we learned is that the wife of Joseph Arnold, Thankful Arnold, is buried here.

We included this in our project because it’s right near my house and I wanted to learn its history.

First Congregational Church of Haddam

This is a picture of the First Congregational Church of Haddam.

It is located in the middle of Haddam on Route 154.

First Congregational Church of Haddam

It was built in 1847 and burned to the ground in 1979 and was rebuilt to look the same.

It was used for public worship, church and town meetings, school meetings, courts and many other public gatherings.

First Congregational Church of Haddam

An interesting fact we learned is that it burned to the ground.

We included this in our project because it’s the church that we go to and it’s right near my house.

Haddam Meadows State Park

This is a picture of Haddam Meadows State Park.

It is located on Route 154 across from Island Dock Road where I live.

Haddam Meadows State Park

It used to be land used for growing hay and grain and grazing animals.

An interesting fact we learned is that in the 1800s, stores were built along the river. In the 1900s, it belonged to the Hazen Farm.

Haddam Meadows State Park

Today it is used as a state park, used for Haddam River Days, little league, and having fun.

We included this in our project because it’s right across the street and we spend a lot of time there.

THE END

Thanks for your attention!