©
East Haddam trip planner
Create a fully customized day-by-day itinerary for free
You have 2 trips in progress.
See all
East Haddam
East Haddam is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 9,126 at the 2010 census.HistoryUntil 1650, the area of East Haddam was inhabited by at least three tribes of Indians: the Wangunks, the Mohegans and the Nehantics. The Indians called the area “Machimoodus,” the place of noises, because of numerous earthquakes that were recorded between 1638 and 1899. Loud rumblings, the “Moodus Noises,” could be heard for miles surrounding the epicenter of the quakes near Mt. Tom. The land, which is now Haddam and East Haddam, was purchased by settlers from the Indians in 1662 for thirty coats – worth about $100.Layout of the highways began in 1669 with Creek Row about ¼ mile east of the River and Town Street “The Great Highway” about ¼ mile east of Creek Row. The first permanent settlers established homesteads along Creek Row in 1685. By 1700, there were thirty families living in East Haddam. Agricultural and timber farming, shipbuilding, tanneries and blacksmiths were among the early commerce. Captain John Chapman began ferry service across the Connecticut River in 1695, which ended with the completion of the swing bridge in 1913.East Haddam was incorporated as a separate town from Haddam in 1734. By 1756, there were nearly 2,000 residents, with the Millington District as the most populated. Growth of commerce brought a surge in population to around 3,000 people by the mid-1800s. In the nineteenth century, Moodus was the “Twine Capital of America,” with twelve mills in operation. Visitors and residents such as actor, William Gillette, whose castle home was completed in 1914, were drawn to the area known for its rural charm and natural scenery. The growth of the resort areas of Lake Hayward, Bashan Lake and Moodus Reservoir began in the early 1900s and was a booming business for the next fifty years.When using our United States attractions planner, you're building your holiday based on your own interests, visitor reviews, and the informed opinions of our well-traveled writers.
Source
Create a full itinerary — for free!
Plan your trip to East Haddam
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in East Haddam
Side trips from East Haddam
Places to visit with East Haddam
MysticTrip planner
Best for: History Museum, Aquarium, Historic Site
New HavenTrip planner
Best for: Art Museum, Natural History Museum, Park
HartfordTrip planner
Best for: Historic Site, Theater, Art Museum
MashantucketTrip planner
Best for: Casino, History Museum, Theater
GrotonTrip planner
Best for: Specialty Museum, Park, Military Museum
Recently planned trips to East Haddam
1 day in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Connecticut River Museum
Florence Griswold Museum
Devil's Hopyard State Park
2 days in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Rocky Neck State Park
The Book Barn
5 days in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Ray of Light Farm
Gillette Castle State Park
Staehly Farm Winery
1 day in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Connecticut River Museum
Florence Griswold Museum
Devil's Hopyard State Park
6 days in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UKRAINE
Fox Hopyard Golf Club
Devil's Hopyard State Park
Fox Farm Brewery
1 day in East Haddam
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Main Street Park, Essex Village
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Gillette Castle State Park