A regional center for commerce, the home to beautiful rocky shores, and the "Submarine Captial of the World" - these are just a few ways to describe Groton, Connecticut.
Located on Fishers Island Sound between the Thames and Mystic Rivers, Groton was incorporated in 1705 and is not only steeped in history it is also one of the state's centers of industry. It became known as the Submarine Capital of the World when the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics delivered 74 diesel submarines to the Navy in World War II. Today, Electric Boat is not only the largest employer in the town but one of the biggest in the state.
"Situated along I-95, Groton is across the Thames River from New London and less than an hour from New Haven, Hartford, and Providence, making it a great place to live if you need to commute," said Kazantzis Real Estate Owner and Agent Andrea Kazantzis. "With several state parks, beautiful beaches, and amazing restaurants, it's also a place that's become a real tourist destination."
Submarines are a huge part of Groton's identity. Not only does Electric Boat make the subs, but the town is also home to Naval Submarine Base New London.
The Submarine Force Museum, located on the Thames River, maintains the world's finest collection of submarine artifacts. It is the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy and is the primary repository for artifacts, documents, and photographs relating to U.S. Submarine Force history. The museum is home to the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine.
Also along the Thames River is the Thames River Heritage Park - which describes itself as a park without boundaries. Instead, it is a collection of almost 20 national and historic sites along the shores of the Thames River – linked by a water taxi – that tell the stories that shaped our nation.
Groton is also home to three state parks.
Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve features a mix of wooded hiking and biking trails coupled with spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound. Its beach is also covered with shells, so it's the ideal place for beachcombers.
Haley Farm State Park is preserved open space available for passive recreation. A popular spot for trail biking, its 0.8-mile-long trail winds its way through the scenic old shoreline farm.
Photo Courtesy: Laurin Killian
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is the historic site, where, on September 6, 1781, British forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The park is also the site of Revolutionary War reenactments.
For history buffs, the town also has the Avery Copp House Museum and the Ebenezer Avery House, the historic home where Colonial soldiers took refuge after the British attack on Groton Heights in 1781.
For beach lovers, there is Eastern Point Beach - a local, family-oriented beach with a playground, snack bar, and historic houses. There is also Esker Point Beach, which features sandy beaches, a picnic area, and volleyball courts. During the summer, the beach also hosts concerts.
If you think you'd like to drop anchor and settle down in Groton, Kazatnzis Real Estate has a team of agents ready to help you.
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