New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The Submarine Industry
Rooted in Connecticut
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
1. The Submarine Industry Marker
Just as the early settlers recognized the fine qualities of the New London harbor, so did the US Government. At the end of the Civil War, the Federal Government accepted land in Groton and Ledyard, purchased by New London, for a new naval base. Americas first submarine base was established there at the beginning of World War I.
The Thames River has long been an active shipbuilding center. Following World War I with the beginning of submarine construction, the area became a major part of the military industrial complex. In 1954, the worlds first nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus, was launched into the Thames River. The Navys research center for submarine warfare was located at Fort Trumbull. The Navy continues to homeport submarines at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1954.
Location. 41° 21.26′ N, 72° 5.657′ W. Marker is in New London in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is at the intersection of State Street and Bank Street, on the right when
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Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline 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 walking distance of this marker: The 19th Century Port (here, next to this marker); The Atlantic Trade (here, next to this marker); The Amistad Incident (here, next to this marker); The Roots of the US Coast Guard (here, next to this marker); Native Americans (a few steps from this marker); 54 State Street (a few steps from this marker); 80 State Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary New London (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
2. The Submarine Industry Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
3. Marker in New London
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
4. The Submarine Industry Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2011
5. Naval Submarine Base
A submarine can be seen here in "drydock" across the Thames River in Groton.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 688 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 14, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
