Revolutionary Connecticut: Historic Sites That Shaped a Nation Along the Shoreline
The Connecticut shoreline may be known today for lobster rolls, sailboats, and salt-air summers, but travel back a few centuries and you’ll find a coastline alive with muskets, militias, and maritime espionage. During the American Revolution, this sliver of land along Long Island Sound played a pivotal role as a supply corridor, battleground, and breeding ground for patriotism.
From stately colonial homes that sheltered generals to hidden coves that launched covert missions, the region’s contributions to independence run deep. Here, history lingers in the stone walls, preserved greens, and worn floorboards of taverns that once echoed with revolutionary resolve. Whether you're tracing your ancestry, planning an educational family outing, or simply following the scent of powder and glory, these are the must-visit Revolutionary War sites along the Connecticut shoreline.
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
Groton, CT
Perched above the Thames River, Fort Griswold was the site of one of the Revolution’s bloodiest battles. On September 6, 1781, British troops led by the traitor Benedict Arnold attacked the fort, resulting in a massacre of the defending American militia. Today, you can walk the original ramparts, climb the Groton Monument for panoramic views, and tour the restored Ebenezer Avery House, where wounded soldiers were treated.
Don’t Miss: The annual Battle of Groton Heights commemoration each September, complete with reenactors and cannon salutes.
Nathan Hale School House
New London, CT
Before he became America’s first spy martyr, Nathan Hale taught here in a humble one-room schoolhouse. Captured and hanged by the British in 1776, Hale’s last words—“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”—still stir patriotic hearts. The building, now a museum, brings you face-to-face with the daily life of a young patriot who became a national symbol of sacrifice.
Pro-Tip: Pair your visit with the nearby Hempsted Houses, which date to the 17th century and hosted generations who lived through both the colonial and Revolutionary periods.
The Black Hall
Old Lyme, CT
Tucked along the banks of the Lieutenant River is the site of Black Hall, the homestead of Reverend Stephen Johnson, a vocal supporter of the revolution and correspondent with leading patriots. Though the original building is no longer standing, the landscape—and its legacy—remain. Nearby, the Florence Griswold Museum explores the artistic and cultural legacy of Old Lyme, including its Revolutionary past.
Saybrook Fort Site at Saybrook Point
Old Saybrook, CT
Originally built in 1635, Fort Saybrook was one of the earliest English forts in New England and played a supporting role during the Revolution as a militia post. While the original fort is long gone, the Saybrook Fort Monument Park offers interpretive signs, a reconstructed trench, and walking paths with views of the Connecticut River—once a major artery for moving Continental troops and supplies.
Did You Know? Saybrook Point also witnessed naval activity, with privateers launching from nearby docks to harass British shipping.
Guilford Green & Hyland House
Guilford, CT
Guilford’s town green has stood since before the Revolution, and its tidy stone walls and clapboard homes reflect the era’s deep roots. Patriots trained here, and the Green served as a rallying point for militia. Nearby, the Hyland House Museum, built in 1713, offers a well-preserved look at colonial domestic life and the kind of household that supported the cause behind closed doors.
Local Tip: Stroll a block over to browse local shops and grab a coffee or lunch at a café housed in 18th-century buildings.
Deacon John Grave House
Madison, CT
This saltbox-style home, built in 1681, was occupied by the same family throughout the Revolutionary War and stands today as a museum. Artifacts, furniture, and period clothing tell the story of everyday life during the war years. Though not a battlefield site, homes like this were essential—housing soldiers, sheltering neighbors, and serving as de facto planning centers.
Family-Friendly: Tours are available seasonally, and the home's gardens offer a peaceful spot to reflect on how the war affected everyday Americans.
Clinton Town Hall and Liberty Green
Clinton, CT
During the Revolution, Liberty Green in Clinton was used as a militia training ground and public meeting place. The green still exists, ringed by historic homes and marked by a boulder monument commemorating local Revolutionary soldiers. It’s a quiet, walkable spot that makes history feel close and real.
The Griswold Inn
Essex, CT
Established in 1776, The Griswold Inn is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in America—and it still serves hearty fare and stiff drinks under low wooden beams and candlelight. During the War of 1812, it was briefly seized by the British, but its Revolutionary roots run deep. Stop in for a bite and wander the halls adorned with maritime prints, antique firearms, and historic flags.
Make It a Weekend: Stay the night in one of the inn’s colonial-inspired rooms and visit the Connecticut River Museum across the street, which offers insight into Essex’s naval contributions.
Westbrook’s Salt Island and Menunketesuck Trail
Westbrook, CT
Though lesser known, Salt Island just off the coast of Westbrook was used by patriots to collect salt—an essential wartime commodity. Local lore holds that the British attempted to raid these supplies but were repelled by militiamen. Hike the nearby Menunketesuck Trail for a glimpse of the terrain these early defenders knew well.
Fort Rachel and Mystic Seaport’s Revolutionary History
Mystic, CT
Fort Rachel, a small artillery post in Mystic, was built later in the war to protect the harbor. While little remains of the original site, its name lives on, and Mystic’s shipbuilding legacy ties directly to the Revolutionary era. Mystic Seaport Museum offers Revolutionary-era reenactments and maritime exhibits that trace the region’s vital role in privateering and ship construction.
Bonus Stop: Take a sail on a historic schooner to experience the view that sentries once scanned for enemy ships.
Revolutionary Road Trip Tips
Best Season: Late spring through fall, when historic homes and museums are open, and town greens are in full bloom.
Dress Code: Comfortable walking shoes and a notebook—you’ll want to jot down the lesser-known tales locals share.
Add-On Experiences: Many shoreline towns offer guided walking tours, especially in summer. Check with local historical societies.
Where to Stay and Eat
Lodging: Book a room at The Griswold Inn (Essex), The Whaler’s Inn (Mystic), or boutique B&Bs in Madison or Guilford.
Dining: For a colonial-inspired meal, try the historic tavern menu at The Griswold Inn or the rustic seafood fare at Breakwater in Stonington.
Connecticut’s coastline is more than a summer escape—it’s a living archive of American courage and resilience. From forts and fields to taverns and tidepools, these sites offer a compelling glimpse into the spirit of 1776. So pack your tricorn hat (or maybe just your camera), and step back into a chapter of history written along the shore.
IT’S A GOOD READ!
Recent Articles
It would be a shame to miss out!
Follow us @shoreline_ct for even more content.
From its flagship in Mystic to Niantic, Watch Hill, and Mohegan Sun, Sift Bake Shop delivers French pastry excellence with New England flair. Helmed by award-winning chef Adam Young, this beloved bakery is rewriting the rules of shoreline indulgence.