About the Groton, Ledyard and New London, Connecticut Area 

                                                GROTON


Ideally situated along the shores of the Thames River, Groton is located 125 miles northeast of New York City and 100 miles southwest of Boston.  Groton is home to the US Naval Submarine Base and the submarine construction facilities of the Electric Boar Division of General Dynamics.  Groton has a diverse economic infrastructure that fuels area businesses and includes Pfizer Inc., one of the largest health care companies in the world and a source of employment for 4700 people.  In June 2000, Pfizer in Groton opened the largest pharmaceutical research facilities of its kind which hosts 700 scientists involved in Pfizer's Research and Development.  Also in Groton is the recently completed University of Connecticut Marine Sciences Center at Avery Point.  Close to several state parks, historic forts and farmsteads, Groton residents can choose from a wide range of recreational possiblilities.  In close proximity to the performing arts, art museums and historic monuments, Groton also offers many choices for the outdoors enthusiast.  Perched along the water, Groton is perfectly situated for the enjoyment of many water activities including swimming at its beaches, sailing and fishing.

LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS: The  town of Groton lies along the Thames River directly across from the town of New London.  Bordered by the Thames, Mystic River and the Long Island Sound, Groton is accessible by both car and ferry. Located in Southeastern Connecticut, Groton lies within New London County. With four exits from Interstate 95, an in-town airport with scheduled hub flights, and two Amtrak stations just minutes away, Groton's transportation facilities are largely unaffected by the traffic congestion that afflicts many New England towns.  Groton’s central location allows for a wide variety of entertainment options.  It is about an hours drive to Hartford and Bradley International Airport, less than three hours from downtown Manhatten and about two hours to Boston. BRIEF HISTORY: Characterized by rich forests, rugged coastline and green rolling hills, the splendor of this beautiful region easily attracted early settlers.  The Pequot Indians were the first inhabitants of the region and were the first people with whom Adrian Block, a Dutch explorer encountered when he landed along the coast in 1614.  By 1637 however, the tribe had essentially dispersed with the arrival of a steady stream of settlers.  With the arrival of John Winthrop Jr., Groton began to grow. In 1646 Winthrop built the Pequot Plantation at the mouth of the Thames River that drew commerce into the town.  In 1705 the small town included enough inhabitants to officially incorporate and Groton was born.  Choosing to name the town after his estate in England, Winthrop continued to be one of Groton’s most influential citizens.  By the mid 1700’s Groton found it’s calling and redefined itself as a center of maritime trade and shipbuilding.  Today Groton covers an area of over 38 square miles and is home to over 43,000 residents. ABOUT EDUCATION: The community of Groton is very involved in the education of their youth and support propositions that are designed to enrich the academic lives of all students.   In addition to strong academic standards, the Groton School District actively supports extracurricular activities. Preparing students for the future is the District’s primary goal and the faculty actively addresses the needs of a large and diverse student population.  In addition, the community greatly values culture and incorporates several of the area’s outstanding museums, performing art companies and music programs into the curriculum. The district’s demanding standards challenge students to achieve their highest potential thus helping them to become responsible and productive adults who will make a positive contribution to society.

 LEDYARD

Ledyard is an attractive bedroom community situated along the Thames River estuary in the southeast portion of the state of Connecticut.   Ledyard, made up primarily of single family houses is home to young families, students and well-educated professionals.  A small part of the U.S. Submarine Base is located in Ledyard as well as Dow Chemical and Foxwoods,  a recreational and gaming resort.   A large portion of Ledyard’s 15,000 residents commute to work in Norwich, New London and Groton.  The natural beauty of Ledyard is characterized by numerous red maples, oaks and rocky terrain. LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS: Situated along Routes 12, 117 and 214, midway between Norwich and Groton, Ledyard is included as a part of New London County.  It is an hours’ drive of both T.F.Green Airport in Providence and Bradley International. Covering a land area of over 40 square miles, Ledyard is situated along the Thames River with the towns of Preston, North Stonington, Stonington and Groton as its nearest neighbors.  Ledyard’s central location makes it easily accessible to Manhattan, Boston and Hartford. BRIEF HISTORY: As with many of the small town’s in the area,  Ledyard’s origins arose from the sea.  Capitalizing on its seaside location, Ledyard was born from revenues collected from commercial fishing, whaling and ship construction in addition to the resulting commerce of a burgeoning seaport.  The Pequot Indians, a peaceful and cooperative people, were the first to enjoy the beauty and abundance of the rugged coast and fertile lands of this area.  By 1653 the area had been “discovered” by European merchants who recognized the economic potential of the tiny seaport and began to settle the region in earnest.  By 1836 Ledyard was a teeming port town and became included as a part of the new town of Groton.  As the town grew, Ledyard eventually stood alone and became independent of its nearest neighbor.  Today,  historic homes and  landmarks stand as a living reminder of Ledyard’s rich  past. ABOUT EDUCATION: The mission of the Ledyard Public Schools  - a safe, student-centered education community with a dedicated and innovative staff - is to develop the unique potential of every student while cultivating a love of learning through exemplary education and community partnerships that prepare students to be contributing citizens in a global society.   Ledyard Schools are well known in the area for an award winning music program,  outstanding sports teams, quality education and the regional vo-ag program.

 NEW LONDON

Seaport breezes, charming older homes and a rich history make the town of New London a fascinating and congenial place to call home.  With a population of over 25,000 residents and a land area of six square miles, New London’s many attractions are available in a highly concentrated area.  Home to several centers of higher learning, the town reaps the rewards from the highly charged energy of a liberal and vibrant culture. Festivals and special events are consistently appearing on the local calendar and outdoor recreational activities are varied and abundant.  Home to the US Coast Guard Academy and America’s Tall Ship the Barque Eagle, New London draws its economic strength from the sea.  New London’s prime seafront location and deep-water harbor makes it a perfect port for commerce, military protection and tourism.  The newly revitalized downtown waterfront that offers inspirational views of the impressive New England Coast.  The high concentration of historical homes, gardens and military sites places New London at the top of many tourist itineraries.  Economic revitalization efforts are bearing fruit as the city planning commission passes significant development initiatives focused upon the State Pier, downtown and the Fort Trumbull areas.  Pfizer, a major employer of the area has just completed a $300 million dollar Global Research and Development Headquarters along the waterfront, which promises further sources of revenue for this community.  BRIEF HISTORY: Founded in 1646, the city of New London has celebrated over 350 years of history and proudly looks forward to its future. As with other towns in the surrounding area, New London was originally inhabited by the Pequot Indians, settled by European explorers and quickly transformed into a thriving port and center of commerce. Originally named Fair Harbor, citizens petitioned for a new name that would reflect their love for their homeland.  New London was chosen as a tribute to the city they missed and cherished. For nearly 80 years, the bustling harbor was the center of whaling activity.  By the turn of the century New London became known as “The Whaling Town” rivaled only by nearby Nantucket and New Bedford. New London’s location put it in the middle of many historic events. As commander of the American forces in the rebellion against Britain, George Washington stayed in New London on several occasions. Business and trade continued to develop around the port and New London became a prosperous town integral to the financial stability of the eastern seaboard.  LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION: Situated midway between Boston and Manhattan, New London is located along the mouth of Thames River at the end of the Long Island Sound.  Easy to find and even easier to reach, New London is accessible by I-95 which follows the shoreline, I-395 and Route 2.  New London proper covers 7 square miles and has a population of over 26,000 residents.  As a busy commercial harbor town, New London relies on a variety of transportation options.  Amtrak, both traditional and high-speed ferries, and a regional airport served by USAir offer multiple choices for commuter transportation needs. Four trains daily operate along the Connecticut shoreline between Boston and New York. Bradley International Airport is less than one hour’s drive from downtown and TF Green Airport in nearby Rhode Island is the same distance.  ABOUT EDUCATION: In addition to an excellent and proficient school system, the town of New London will soon be home to the Science & Technology Magent High School of Southeastern Connecticut, a regional high school that offers learning modules in Information Technology, Health Science & Biotechnology, Physics & Engineering, and Environmental Science.  New London is also home to several institutes of higher learning.  Founded in 1911, the Connecticut College, a private, coeducational liberal arts college known for academic excellence has attracted serious students throughout the country to this lively center of learning. Centered along the picturesque Connecticut shoreline, the campus at Mitchell College, also a private residential institution includes the University of New Haven/Southeastern Graduate Center offering academic programs that cater to the demanding schedule of full time working adults.  Focusing exclusively upon graduate-level education, the college assists those interested in career advancement and career redirection.  Located on the banks of the Thames River, the United States Coast Guard Academy provides the opportunity to earn college degrees in science or engineering while earning a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard.  The college also serves as the site for the Coast Guard Museum.