Town Office Building
        7 Main St. P.O. Box-K
        East Haddam, CT 06423

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East Haddam is also the home to the headwaters of the Eight Mile River, which runs through a greenway of protected open space. The Devil's Hopyard State Park protects the Eight Mile River as it tumbles over a rushing waterfall and through a hemlock gorge. The Salmon River borders the town to the North and is a site of a state project to restore anadramous fish to Connecticut River tributaries. Three lakes, Bashan Lake, Moodus Reservoir and Lake Hayward, provide recreation and scenic beauty to all who visit. East Haddam's woodland and winding country roads beckon to those who want to hark back to a simpler time. So come and visit East Haddam and enjoy the ambiance, the slow pace, and you will know why people keep coming back! 

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For a visitor's guide and business development information, please visit the East Haddam Economic Development Website - www.easthaddam.net

East Haddam Public School, Building Project Information Link - http://www.easthaddamschools.org/building/index.htm.

TOWN OF EAST HADDAM PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT DRAFT LINK: The Plan of Conservation.

The land was part of an original purchase from the Indians in 1662 for thirty coats - about $100. It included Machimoodus, "the place of noises." So named from subterranean sounds formerly heard there. Layout of highways began in 1669. The first settlement was along Creek Row in 1685. Ferry service across the Connecticut River began in 1695 and ended with the completion of the swing bridge in 1913. The First Ecclesiastical Society was formed in 1704. Shipbuilding and manufacture of cotton goods flourished and declined here during the two centuries before the steamboat era ended in the 1930's. From earliest settlement many streams provided water power for mills. The militia served in three wars, with notable contributions during the Revolution. Areas of town are known as Millingtion, Hadlyme, North Plains, Leesville, Johnsonville, Moodus, Little Haddam, and the East Haddam Landings.

Settlers of East Haddam
1685-1699 Nicholas Ackley, John Bates, John Booge, Daniel Brainard Jr., Thomas Hungerford, Samuel and William Spencer, Abraham and John Willey.

Notable East Haddamites
The Reverend Stephen Hosmer - first minister, Joseph Spencer - major general in Revolution Epaproditus Champion - Commissary, General Nathan Hale - teacher patriot and martyr, Dyar Throop - first judge of county court, Jonathan O. Moseley - U.S Representative, William H Goodspeed - shipbuilder, William E Nichols - inventor and manufacturer, Luther Boardman - silver plating & britannia, Morgan G. Bulkeley - Governor and US Senator, Francis H Parker - local Historian.

Nature Outings

DEVIL'S HOPYARD STATE PARK features hiking, picnic areas, camping and trout fishing. The potholes at the base of Chapman Falls are said to be the footprints left by the devil as he hopped from ledge to ledge to keep dry.

THE LEESVILLE DAM FISHWAY was created to facilitate the migration patterns of salmon that were inhibited by a dam built in 1763. The salmon run can be observed in May, but fishing is prohibited.

CHAPMAN'S POND NATURE PRESERVE boasts 600 acres of forest, brooks, a tidal pond, flood plains, marshes and abundant wildlife. Best reached by canoe, trailheads also on River Road lead to marked trails of moderate to steep terrain.

GILLETTE CASTLE STATE PARK is one of the most popular in the state. It has over 125 acres of hiking trails, picnic facilities and fishing areas.

THE CONNECTICUT BOAT LAUNCH is located off Rte. 149. With panoramic views of the Salmon River joining the Connecticut River, it is also a lovely spot for river watching or fishing.

MOODUS RESERVOIR AND BASHAN LAKE are freshwater lakes perfect for canoeing, boating and fishing. The Reservoir is one of the best largemouth bass lakes in the state and also has pickerel and crappie. Bashan is also noted for smallmouth bass and trout. Both have state boat launch areas.

Historic Sights

GILLETTE CASTLE (cover photo) was built by actor William Gillette. Best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes, Gillette had construction started in 1914 and it was not completed until 1919, at a cost of $1,000,000. Standing at 200 feet above sea level, with imposing granite walls, 4 to 5 feet thick, and 24 oddly shaped rooms, it affords visitors one of the most spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley.

THE GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE was built in 1876 by William Goodspeed, ship builder, merchant, banker and lover of the theater. This Victorian gem also housed Goodspeed's business offices, bar and general store. Restored in 1958 and rededicated in 1963, the Opera House now presents the finest in musical revivals.

THE GELSTON HOUSE, originally named The Riverside Inn, was built in 1736 by Jabez Chapman. A stop here provides an expansive view of the river and forested hillsides.

THE EAST HADDAM BRIDGE is reputed to be the longest swing bridge in the world. Built in 1913, it is an engineering wonder and a local landmark.

THE NATHAN HALE SCHOOL HOUSE is a one room building erected in 1750. Here, Nathan Hale served as schoolmaster from 1773 to 1774. A bust of Hale at Goodspeed Plaza marks the original sight of the school house. The building itself has been relocated to the hill overlooking the village and river. It houses displays of local history and Hale's possessions.

ST. STEPHEN'S BELL is thought to be the oldest bell in the new world. Originally cast for a Spanish monastery in 815 AD, the bell was brought to America in 1843 by a ship captain needing ballast for the voyage home. It now hangs in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. www.ststeves.org

THE AMASA DAY HOUSE is an 1818 homestead that offers insight into how the Industrial Revolution changed the lives of ordinary Americans.  Original stencil work and period objects decorate the house.  A variety of public programs are held throughout the year. The house is open on Sundays from 1-4 PM, though groups may schedule tours at other times.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was originally a central meeting house which served as the town hall, church and community center. Designed by famed architect Lavius Fillmore, it was built in 1794. The interior of the church has graceful Doric columns, a Palladium window and a star-spangled, domed ceiling.

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