Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

William A. Buckingham House

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

1. William A. Buckingham House Marker

Inscription. Once upon a time in Norwich, the Governor of the State of Connecticut, William A. Buckingham, resided in this building. Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, May 28, 1804, he attended Lebanon School, Bacon Academy in Colchester, and later took up residency in Norwich.

Impressed by his Uncle’s retail establishment, young Buckingham first went into retailing and later invested in the manufacture of carpets and the rubber shoe industry. Successful in all of these enterprises, he amassed a fortune and was able to dedicate his life thereafter to public service.

He became Mayor of Norwich in 1847; elected Governor of the State of Connecticut in 1858. He was a loyal friend to candidate, and later President, Abraham Lincoln. Buckingham served Connecticut as Governor during the Civil War. After Lincoln’s assassination, Buckingham resigned his office in 1866. He was elected in May, 1868 to fill the first vacancy which occurred in the Senate of the United States. His remarkable career was an inspiration to all. He met the demand of every public occasion. Buckingham was a man of honor with strong religious commitments. Sympathetic and charitable,

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he was considered a statesman.

He died while in office on February 5, 1875. His funeral was attended by numerous national dignitaries.

His residence, this building, is dedicated as a memorial to the memory of William A. Buckingham — Mayor of Norwich, Governor of Connecticut, and United States Senator.

This plaque sponsored by the Chelsea-Groton Savings Bank

Erected by Chelsea-Groton Savings Bank.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1804.

Location. 41° 31.454′ N, 72° 4.367′ W. Marker is in Norwich in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is on Main Street 0.1 miles east of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located beside the walkway, directly in front of the subject building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 307 Main Street, Norwich CT 06360, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

Marker detail: William Alfred Buckingham image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: William Alfred Buckingham

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Norwich and Worcester Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Hopkins & Allen Gun Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Once upon a time in Norwich… (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Central Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Angelo Sanquedolce Memorial Plaza (approx. ¼ mile away); 26th Regiment Connecticut Volunteeers (approx. half a mile away); Slater Museum (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norwich.

Regarding William A. Buckingham House. National Register of Historic Places #82004379. Also, a contributing property in Downtown Norwich Historic District, NRHP #85000707.

Also see . . .
1. William Alfred Buckingham (Wikipedia). The outbreak of

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

3. William A. Buckingham House Marker

the Civil War was the major reason for Buckingham's long tenure as Connecticut's governor. During his tenure, he dealt successfully with the effects of an economic panic that occurred in the state and with the outbreak of the Civil war. Before the General Assembly appropriated $2 million for military expenses, Buckingham had begun borrowing money in his own name to finance Connecticut's war efforts. (Submitted on April 25, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. William A. Buckingham House (Wikipedia). Buckingham is known to have had both Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant as guests. The house was purchased in 1898 by the local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans organization. In the early 1980s it was the meeting place of Sedgwick Camp #4 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, a Union Civil War descendants organization. (Submitted on April 25, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

William A. Buckingham House (<i>marker on right</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

4. William A. Buckingham House (marker on right)

Sedgwick Post No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

5. Sedgwick Post No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic

(mounted on front of house)

Cannon (<i>on exhibit near marker</i>)</center> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

6. Cannon (on exhibit near marker)

This cannon carriage was replaced by the
Guns of Norwich Historical Society,
Italian American War Veterans,
Dime Savings Bank, Chelsea-Groton Savings Bank,
Pfizer Foundation, Pachaug Outdoor Club,
the City of Norwich and individual donors.
Rededicated March 9, 2002

William A. Buckingham House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 13, 2017

7. William A. Buckingham House

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 25, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.