Capture New London

New London Harbor Light, Photo by Dwight Wenzel

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Lighthouses were an immediate necessity in colonial New London. Informal fire pits were lit along the coast before the first physical structures were built. The current Harbor Light, which is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in 1801. It was built to replace the original structure, built in 1760 as the 4th lighthouse in what would become the United States. The Harbor Light is a testament to the success of preservation in Connecticut, being the oldest remaining lighthouse in the state. Preservation work which occurred on the Harbor Light began as early as 1833, when repairs were made to the damaged lighthouse, then again in 1863. Of course, at this point, these repairs were to maintain functionality, rather than historical value. These repairs often added new details, with the 1833 revisions including a new lantern and copper dome. A third set of iron stairs was added in 1963. Proper historic preservation considers and highlights all of these facts, as each addition and repair is part of the building’s architectural legacy. More than just 1801, the Ledge Light offers an entry point into exploring much more about the city’s architecture, history, and environment. 

The Winthrop Hotel, Photo by Robert Palm

“The stories it could tell.”

Built in 1844, the Winthrop Hotel was home to a host of interesting characters. The hotel was constructed originally as a warehouse for the Perkins and Smith whaling firm. In the 1860s, as New London’s economy began to transition, the building was converted and updated into a hotel. In the 1880s the building assumed its name as the Winthrop Hotel, in honor of Connecticut’s first governor. One of the more notable individuals in the building’s history was Gasparo Fresno, its owner for a period in the 1920s. Under Fresno’s ownership the hotel  often found itself plastered on the page of the morning paper. He was fined $10 for an altercation with the owner of an adjoining restaurant in 1920, when  he threw a burning cigar at the man’s face, smearing ashes and sending sparks flying. In the same year he was also fined $150 for having “hard liquor in his possession for the purpose of sale” (The Day). This would not be the first or last time someone at the Winthrop would face legal consequences for the sale of liquor that year, let alone within the decade. While Fresno’s indiscretions were very public, there are countless stories that only the walls of the Winthrop can remember.  

Coastal Landscape & Recreation, Photo by Bruce B. Feinberg, MD

"The views of the shoreline, sailboats, and rocky beaches reflect the city’s picturesque waterfront, which draws tourists and locals alike. These views matter because they encapsulate the essence of New London—its working waterfront, strategic naval importance, and its identity as a scenic, historic, and economically significant coastal city."

Over 110 years old and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the New London's Ledge Light looms over the harbor. The lighthouse’s symmetrical structure creates an impressive image, but its interesting construction is often overlooked. The building itself had a rocky start, with contracts being awarded almost ten years after its construction was originally proposed. As for that construction, the flat-slab concrete method with which the Ledge Light was built was  a cutting-edge technique. But the “cast-iron tubular foundation” which would have been common at the time was passed over for a massive timber crib into which concrete was poured. The original lens was shipped in from Paris. These details all help to paint a picture of 1900s New London as an international city which welcomed new ideas. The unusual construction of the Ledge Light is part of what gives the structure its identity and, hopefully, sparks curiosity about what history might be hiding in the views around you.

Historic & Modern Contrasts, Photo by Bruce B. Feinberg, MD

 "The juxtaposition of a historic tall ship with modern infrastructure demonstrates New London’s balance between preserving history and evolving into a contemporary maritime community. These views matter because they encapsulate the essence of New London—its working waterfront, strategic naval importance, and its identity as a scenic, historic, and economically significant coastal city."​

The sight of a tall ship sailing into New London’s harbor has become a novelty. This once ubiquitous view has been made irrelevant by technological advancement. Yet, the same conditions of wind and water which once fueled the city’s sailing economy now create ideal conditions for green energy. The sea has been New London's frontier of technological change for centuries. It was improved naval technology which allowed for the success of the whaling industry, as well the development of alternative fuel sources which played a part in its end. Man-made sonar was adapted and improved in the Naval Underwater Sound Laboratory from the 1940s through the 1990s, while state-of-the art vessels are constructed on dry-docks around the region. The wind turbine project undertaken in 2024 off New London State Pier is remarkably healthier for the environment than many of the aforementioned developments. Commissioned by the state, these massive structures need to be fabricated on land and then assembled on site in the ocean. This project also represents a positive shift in New London's relationship to the nature which surrounds it. By adopting green energy solutions, New London works to preserve and give back to the natural resources which are responsible for its existence. By protecting the health of New London’s harbor, rivers, and sea access points, we preserve the future health of the region.

Naval & Submarine Presence, Photo by Bruce B. Feinberg, MD

"The presence of a submarine highlights New London’s role as a major naval hub, home to the U.S. Navy’s submarine base and the Coast Guard Academy. These views matter because they encapsulate the essence of New London—its working waterfront, strategic naval importance, and its identity as a scenic, historic, and economically significant coastal city."

Despite its name, the "Naval Submarine Base New London" is actually in Groton, Connecticut, rather than the city bearing its name. The two municipalities are historically intertwined. Being positioned on the Thames river, the submarine base continues to connect both towns to the naval infrastructure of the east coast. Prior to it being commissioned as the U.S. Navy's first submarine base, a Naval Yard was commissioned along the Thames in 1868, though construction would only begin in 1872. While the base itself is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places, one of the submarines housed there is. The U.S.S. NAUTILUS was recognized in the late 1970s, though it had been constructed in 1955. She was the world's first nuclear submarine and a significant piece of cold-war technology.
 

Fort Trumbull (Winter), Photo by Ben Hyde

"Fort Trumbull is one of the most beautiful and recognizable historic areas in the area. It matters because New London is a beautiful city."
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When looking at the five sided behemoth of Fort Trumbull, its original incarnation can be easily overlooked. The original Fort Trumbull was commissioned in 1775 as a defense against the British military. By the time the fort was completed in 1777, the American Revolutionary War was in full swing. The structure at that point would have looked far different than how it does today. We gain a peak into this from the surviving 1796 Blockhouse. The simple but sturdy structure was part of an attempt to repair and reinforce Fort Trumbull in the later 16th century. Little else of the pre-1800 Fort remains, as the structure was rebuilt almost entirely in 1812, though to minimal affect. It was found inadequate and in 1839 construction on the current fort began. It would take until 1850 for it to be completed. Fort Trumbull, in its various incarnations, has existed through every war on American soil.  The building is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as a structure important to Connecticut security as a whole. ​​

Fort Trumbull (Summer), Photo By Ben Hyde

"Fort Trumbull is one of the most beautiful and recognizable historic areas in the area. It matters because New London is a beautiful city."
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The photos provided by Ben Hyde were taken with drone technology, mirroring the technological advancements which occurred in and around Fort Trumbull. The structure had been effective during the American Civil War, though semi-irrelevant. In 1941, Fort Trumbull became home to the Underwater Sound Laboratory. Responding to the threat of German U-boats in the Atlantic, this government project centralized previous underseas mapping efforts conducted by the National Defense Research Committee, Harvard University, and Cambridge University. Their work helped to improve underseas sonar and acoustic machinery for naval vessels, adding to the United State's technological advantage. The Underwater Sound Laboratory continued to make advancements in sonar technology well into the 1990s when it was officially closed.
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Interior of the Mohican Hotel, Photo By Doreen Gayer

"New London's architectural legacy, particularly its collection of buildings designed by famous architects, sparked my passion when I moved here in 2019. The city, where the Thames meets the Mohican, offers a unique blend of history and charm. From the magnificent views from my apartment at The Mohican to the intricate details I discovered on my walks, I was compelled to capture the essence of these historic structures through my photography. I hope my images will encourage others to explore New London's architectural treasures and appreciate its enduring beauty."
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The Mohican Hotel has towered over New London's State Street since its creation in 1896. Originally built as the headquarters of Munsey's Magazine, established 1889. The building served this function for less than a year, when a strike shut down its functioning. In 1898 it would reopen as the Mohican Hotel. The grand hotel would exist for almost a hundred years, slowly fading in glory. In a meaningful, if economically motivated move, the Mohican Hotel offered rooming to non-white residents for a portion of its history. Starting in 1963, it would be listed in multiple editions of the Green Book ,a guide for black motorists on where they could expect to stay while traveling. In the 1990s the hotel shuttered its doors and was reconverted into affordable housing.

Crocker House, Photo By Doreen Gayer

"New London's architectural legacy, particularly its collection of buildings designed by famous architects, sparked my passion when I moved here in 2019. The city, where the Thames meets the Mohican, offers a unique blend of history and charm. From the magnificent views from my apartment at The Mohican to the intricate details I discovered on my walks, I was compelled to capture the essence of these historic structures through my photography. I hope my images will encourage others to explore New London's architectural treasures and appreciate its enduring beauty."
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Within the Downtown Historic District, the Crocker House sits. Currently home to apartments, the Crocker House has a long legacy. Built in 1872, the Crocker House began as a luxury hotel, supported by A.N. Ramsdell, president of New London's Railroad. The structure exists in conversation with other grand hotels of the era, including the later Mohican hotel. Similarly, the hotel would be listed in the 1963 Green Book as a location where black motorists could expect to be welcome as guests. Five stories of red brick, the Crocker House continues to dominate the silhouette of New London's downtown. 

Side View Details of the New London Post Office, Photo By Doreen Gayer

"New London's architectural legacy, particularly its collection of buildings designed by famous architects, sparked my passion when I moved here in 2019. The city, where the Thames meets the Mohican, offers a unique blend of history and charm. From the magnificent views from my apartment at The Mohican to the intricate details I discovered on my walks, I was compelled to capture the essence of these historic structures through my photography. I hope my images will encourage others to explore New London's architectural treasures and appreciate its enduring beauty."
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the New London Post Office is three stories of steel, concrete, and brick. Standing on its original site, Art Deco details are found both in and outside. This building was created under the Public Buildings Act of 1929, one of 136. The building itself was created in 1932, and in 1938 the Public Works Art Program funded the installation of interior murals by Thomas Sergeant Lafarge. Tied into the artistic and cultural legacy of the Great Depression, this structure is a prime example of quality art in the face of suffering.

Upper State Street, Photo By Doreen Gayer

"New London's architectural legacy, particularly its collection of buildings designed by famous architects, sparked my passion when I moved here in 2019. The city, where the Thames meets the Mohican, offers a unique blend of history and charm. From the magnificent views from my apartment at The Mohican to the intricate details I discovered on my walks, I was compelled to capture the essence of these historic structures through my photography. I hope my images will encourage others to explore New London's architectural treasures and appreciate its enduring beauty."
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Upper State Street in New London is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as the Downtown New London Historic District. This historic district has been a centerpiece of the city's economy for hundreds of years. The ages of historic buildings on State Street range from the late 1700s to the early 1960s. A meaningfully large range of 1800s Domestic Revival Style buildings cover upper state street and the surrounding homes. State Street still bears the marks of New London's mid 1800s economic boom, where the whaling industry flooded the city with wealth. New buildings propped up as signifiers of that wealth, or as structures to facilitate its functioning. One can find modern political protests outside of the 1798 county courthouse, just as fiery political speeches have filled its halls since its construction.
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