East Haddam

East Haddam. Incorporated 1734. , This land was part of an original purchase from the Indians in 1662 for thirty coats – about $100. It included Machimoodus, “the place of noises”, so named from subterranean sounds formerly heard there. Layout of highways began in 1669. The first settlement was along Creek Row in 1685. Ferry service across the Connecticut River began in 1695 and ended with the completion of the swing bridge in 1913. The first Ecclesiastical Society was formed in 1704. Shipbuilding and the manufacture of cotton goods flourished and declined here during the two centuries before the steamboat era ended in the 1930’s. From earliest settlement many streams provided water power for mills. The militia served in three wars, with notable contributions during the Revolution. Areas of town are known as Millington, Hadlyme, North Plains, Leesville, Johnsonville, Moodus, Little Haddam, and the East Haddam Landings. , (reverse side) Settlers of East Haddam , 1685 – 1699. Nicholas Ackley John Bates John Booge , Daniel Brainard, Jr. John Chapman , Daniel Cone George Gates Thomas Hungerford , Samuel and William Spencer , Abraham and John Willey, Notable East Haddamites. The Reverend Stephen Hosmer – first minister , Joseph Spencer – major general in Revolution , Epaphroditus Champion – Commissary General , Nathan Hale – teacher, patriot, and martyr , Dyar Throop – first Judge of County Court , Jonathan O. Moseley – U.S. Representative , William H. Goodspeed – shipbuilder , William E. Nichols – inventor and manufacturer , Luther Boardman – silver plating and britannia , Morgan G. Bulkeley – Governor and U.S. Senator , Francis H. Parker – local historian , , Erected by the Town of East Haddam , the East Haddam Historic District Commission , and the Connecticut Historical Commission , 1979