groton

Groton Congregational Church

Groton Congregational was established in 1702. Its minister, Rev. Aaron Kinne, served as the chaplain for the American forces during the Battle of Fort Griswold, on September 6, 1781. Most adult male members of the church perished at the battle. The current building is the fourth meeting house, which was constructed in 1902 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary is comprised of polished oak; Moller Pipe Organ; original chandeliers; and stained-glass windows, most notably The Avery Memorial Window.

Interested in visiting the site outside of service hours? Tours can be arranged by calling the church.

Address: 162 Monument Street, Groton, CT 06340

Distance from Thames River Landing Departure Location: 0.4 miles

Phone Number: 860-445-7409

Hours: 10AM Sunday Service

Ledge Lighthouse

At the mouth of the Thames River stands Ledge Lighthouse. Proposed in the mid 19th century, first lit in 1909, New London Ledge Lighthouse was constructed to mark the dangerous Southwest Ledge that runs through New London Harbor. It is a distinctive brick structure, with a French mansard roof. Ledge Light, along with the New London Harbor Light (est. 1760, current tower 1801) and Race Rock Light Station (1878) at the opening of Long Island Sound to the Atlantic, create a pathway of beacons leading from the Atlantic to the historic port of New London. All three lights are now owned by the New London Maritime Society.

Tours are available inside Ledge Lighthouse from June through September and can be booked through the New London Maritime Society.

Address: 150 Bank St, New London, CT 06320
Phone number: (860) 447-2501
Tours: See current availabilities -> Book Today

Historic Groton Bank

Hop On, Hop Off Harbor Cruise Landing Site

The Groton Bank is a historic village on the east bank of the Thames River. Today the neighborhood is comprised of a few hundred houses, three churches, a library, two museums, a Revolutionary War fort and business structures dating primarily from Colonial times to a century ago. Groton Bank and Fort Griswold are adjacent Historic Districts listed on the US Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.

In 1655 the ferry operator Cary Latham became the first permanent English settler on the east bank of the Thames River when it was part of the Pequot Colony, which later became the city of New London. After Groton became a separate town in 1705, the east bank of the river became known as Groton Bank and grew to become a major village in the town. In centuries following, the Groton Bank transformed into an international leader in the shipbuilding industry and was the site of the only major Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut. During the War of 1812, Fort Griswold served as the key defender of the Thames Harbor. It was also home to well-known captains of the whaling era and the residence of many prominent citizens including a member of Congress. In 1881 a portion of the Groton Bank took on the name “Groton Heights” in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Revolutionary War Battle fought here on September 6, 1781.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

The Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park rests on a vantage point above the Thames River, containing the remains of a Revolutionary War fort and a 135-foot obelisk monument to pay tribute to those who died defending it. The park is the site of the 1781 Battle of Groton Heights where British troops, under the command of the infamous traitor Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, attacked the fort which resulted in a massacre of American soldiers.

Fort Griswold was named after then Deputy Governor Matthew Griswold. In tandem with Fort Trumbull on the opposite side of the harbor, Fort Griswold served to defend the port of New London, a supply center for the new Continental Army and a friendly port for Connecticut- sanctioned privateers who preyed on British ships.

The Groton Monument was built between 1826 and 1830, and is the oldest monument of its type in the country. Built of granite quarried locally, the Monument stands 135 feet tall with 166 steps. A marble plaque shows the names of those who died defending the fort.

The property also includes the Monument House Museum, which was built in 1830. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) began meeting there in 1894, and members began donating artifacts from the battle and other periods of Groton’s history. The Revolutionary War exhibit houses a painting depicting the battle and a model of the Fort as it looked on September 6, 1781. An observation platform and interpretive signs were added to the fort to give visitors a better understanding of the fort’s features and to better protect the earthworks.

Address: Monument St. & Park Ave. Groton, CT 06340
Distance from Groton Water Taxi Landing: 0.5 Miles
Phone Number: (860) 445-1729
Hours: The Museum and Monument are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Admission: Free

Ebenezer Avery House

Following the loss of American troops at the Battle of Groton Heights on September 6, 1781, the wounded soldiers were loaded into a wagon to be transported down the hill and onto the British ships. The men guiding the prisoners to the Thames River quickly lost control and were forced to release the wagon. It collided with a large tree, further injuring the already disabled soldiers. They were taken into the Ebenezer Avery House which stands today on the grounds of the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. Today, the Ebenezer Avery House is open to the public as a museum. It was restored and furnished by The Avery Memorial Association with the antiques of the revolutionary period.

Address: 57 Fort St, Groton, CT 06340
Distance from Groton Water Taxi Landing: 0.1 Miles
Phone number: (860) 446-6612
Hours: 12-4PM, Saturday & Sunday | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (or by appointment)
Admission: Free, suggested donation

Historic Boat Tour Opening Weekend | June 13-14, 2026

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