Niantic in East Lyme in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
A Glimpse into the Past
East Lyme was settled in the 1650s and became incorporated as a town in 1839. Records from 1840 indicated that 1,412 people lived in this 34.8 square mile town. An important settlement in the area was the Thomas Lee house that was built in 1660. This house was in the Lee family for 250 years. Now listed as one of the oldest houses in the United States, the Lee House was restored to its original condition. Est Lyme was visited by many travelers during the colonial period. Two very prominent visitors to the Caulkins Inn and Tavern at Flanders Four Corners were George Washington and General Lafayette.
From the mid 1800s to the early 1900s Niantic was a thriving port due to its protected location on Long Island Sound. Commercial fishing was a prominent industry. Many people were employed in businesses related to fishing including the wharves, ice houses, packing houses and shipyards. Boarding houses and hotels were built for workers and visitors. The Morton House, located at the junction of Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, was an important hotel during this time. It remains a link to the past and a symbol of East Lyme's
this page online
Erected by East Lyme Public Trust Foundation, Inc., with funding provided by Charter Oak Credit Union.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 41° 19.391′ N, 72° 11.496′ W. Marker is in East Lyme in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is in Niantic. It is on Boardwalk 0.3 miles east of Baptist Lane, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Niantic CT 06357, 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 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 New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
