Old Saybrook Center in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Fort Saybrook – 1635

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 2, 2021

1. Fort Saybrook – 1635 Marker

Inscription.
The first fort at Saybrook Point, built in 1630, was similar to other English coastal settlements. Lion Gardiner designed the fort in the European tradition as a square, palisaded fortification containing several structures, surrounded by an earthen embankment and moat. A movable drawbridge crossed the moat at the entrance to the west side. Cannon platforms were placed on each corner. The fort was well positioned to guard against an attack from upriver or from Long Island Sound. Its cannon could fire a mile as far as Poverty Point on the opposite side of the River. Because it stood out on a peninsula between North and South Coves, it also protected the settlers against a land attack from the west. The original fort burned to the ground in 1647 and was replaced by a second fort of simpler design.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1630.

Location. 41° 17.057′ N, 72° 21.135′ W. Marker is in Old Saybrook in Lower Connecticut River Valley Region, Connecticut. It is in Old Saybrook Center. It can be reached from College Street (Connecticut Route 1544) east of Fenwick Street, on the left when traveling east. Located in Fort Saybrook Monument Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Old Saybrook CT 06475, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

on the Connecticut Shoreline,

and in Mystic and the Eastern Shore.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

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 Middlesex County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Pequot War (here, next to this marker); The Fenwicks (here, next to this marker); Winthrop and the Warwick Patent (a few steps from this marker); The Connecticut River (within shouting distance of this marker); The Saybrook Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Fishing on the Connecticut (within shouting distance of this marker); Battlefields of the Pequot War (within shouting distance of this marker); Lion Gardiner (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Saybrook.

Other markers no longer nearby. Adrian Block • Dutch Exploration (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Saybrook Bar (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Old Saybrook Historical Society. (Submitted on September 28, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Pequot War. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on September 28, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 2, 2021

2. Fort Saybrook – 1635 Marker

This marker is on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 689 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2021, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.