Essex Village in Middlesex County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

It Happened Here!

Historic Essex Waterfront

Photographed By Michael Herrick, May 24, 2013

1. It Happened Here! Marker

Inscription.
While a lot has changed since this 1881 “Birds-Eye-View” of Essex, a lot has remained the same including most of the houses along Main Street. Originally known as Pettipaug, Essex was first settled in 1648. It became a colonial seaport and shipbuilding center. This now tranquil waterfront has seen war, prosperity, decline and rebirth. It’s history has been connected to the world by the Great River which flows from its source 410 miles to the north to its mouth six miles south of where you are now standing. Here the fresh waters of the River mingle with the salty brine of Long Island Sound and the oceans of the world! Today, Essex Harbor is a classic New England yachting town and an environmental success story.
Explore these stories and more within the historic walls of the Connecticut River Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 41° 21.06′ N, 72° 23.088′ W. Marker is in Essex, Connecticut, in Middlesex County. It is in Essex Village. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Novelty Lane, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Located in front of the Connecticut River Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67 Main Street, Essex CT 06426, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Warship Oliver Cromwell (within shouting distance of this marker); British Raid 1814 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Onrust (within shouting distance of this marker); Essex (approx. ¼ mile away); Essex Square (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hills Academy (approx. half a mile away); Early Essex Village (approx. half a mile away); Essex Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Essex.

Also see . . . Connecticut River Museum. (Submitted on October 16, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Connecticut River Museum Entrance Gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 28, 2013

2. Connecticut River Museum Entrance Gate

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 28, 2013

3. It Happened Here! Marker

The marker is behind the museum entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 426 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 16, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.