The city of Norwich, Connecticut, also known as “The Rose of New England”, was founded in 1659 by settlers from Saybrook. The land was purchased from Chief Uncas of the “Mohegan Native American Tribe”. This Native American tribe originated in upstate New York as the Mohegans and later became The Mohegan Tribe after moving into Connecticut.

As one of the first Connecticut cities, Norwich was incorporated in 1784. Textile factories were common, due to the available water supply of the Yantic and Shetucket rivers. Thanks to the ship trading between Boston and New York, Norwich became a prosperous shipping center, due to its convenient location.  It was also known as both an agricultural and industrial area. Many of the agricultural areas evolved into to more industrial ways over time.

Notable Natives

Benedict Arnold: Born in Norwich in 1741, Benedict Arnold was an American General during the Revolutionary War. Arnold became possibly the most infamous traitor in United States history after his plan to defer to British military forces was exposed in 1780.

Samuel Huntington: As a signer of the Declaration of Independence, long-time resident of Norwich, Samuel Huntington became the President of the Continental Congress in 1779. Since he obtained this position during the time that the Articles of Confederation were being ratified, many beat-biographers and Connecticut cival groups believe that Huntington was actually the first President of the United States.

Thomas Leffingwell: Built in 1675, a two-room home built by Stephan Backus was purchased and converted into an Inn by Thomas Leffingwell. Known best to locals as the “Leffingwell House Museum”, the house is a modern day tourist staple containing many fine works created by 18th century silversmiths and clock makers. The Inn is said to have also hosted George Washington for breakfast in 1776.

The Rose City Today

The Norwich & Worcester Railroad (still alive today) was constructed from 1835-1840. Today’s Norwich is flourishing and boasts immigrants from French Canada, Cape Verde Islands, Europe, and more. The “Mohegan Native American Tribe” continues to thrive in this area of Connecticut as well. Named after the tribe, Mohegan Park is one of the most popular recreational areas in the city today. With it being the largest park in Norwich, residents and patrons can enjoy the beach, hiking and biking trails, basketball courts, picnicking and grilling, playgrounds, and more. Many events and activities are held here and preservation efforts are constantly made to keep it thriving.

Have you visited one of the many historical venues in Norwich lately? Please share in the box below your experiences and any additional fun facts you may have learned about our fair town!

Every fall, while the rest of the country is lamenting the end of summer and dreading the coming of winter, New England is experiencing a uniquely beautiful experience – the gradual shift from summer to fall foliage throughout the region’s forests. This seasonal event brings vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow to the leaves of trees throughout the state of Connecticut, and because of their widespread nature, the best way to enjoy them is by car. Thankfully, the state is full of scenic routes, all of which become even more beautiful in fall when the leaves change color. This fall, head out for a drive along these top five scenic routes:

1. Connecticut River Loop

This scenic drive takes a combined four state routes into one loop that circles the Connecticut River, crossing the water twice and winding along its banks from Old Lyme to East Haddam. Along the way, it passes through the picturesque towns of Essex, Centerbrook, Deep River, Chester, Haddam and East Haddam; all of which display the fall foliage to its greatest extent, combined with charming shops and a small-town atmosphere. The drive between towns is spectacular as well, with the forested banks of the river providing a perfect backdrop for the fall colors.

2. State Route 169

This federally designated National Scenic Byway takes you from the Massachusetts border to Jewett City, passing through numerous historic towns and sites along the way. The highlight of this drive is the abundance of maple and pine trees, which provide a spectacular color-changing show in the fall.

3. Colchester and Salmon River

A large part of this loop follows state routes 16 and 149, looping around Salmon River State Forest in the process. This drive takes you from quiet, wooded lanes to scenic towns to the undisturbed woodlands of the state forest, which is the perfect place to view fall foliage due to its abundance of spectacular trees.

4. Merritt Parkway

Merritt Parkway, a 37-mile National Scenic Byway, passes not only through prime fall foliage areas but also crosses over numerous historic and beautiful Art Deco bridges in the process. Get ready for an explosion of color when you take on this short but scenic drive.

5. Litchfield Hills

There is nothing quite like the sight of rolling hills colored in all shades of red, orange, yellow, green, and everything in between. That is exactly what you will experience in the Litchfield Hills, in northwestern Connecticut. You can craft your own drive through this region, or follow a general route along Route 7 from Norfolk to Litchfield.

As we are all looking forward to the breath-taking landscapes that Connecticut provides in the fall, it’s important to remember proper maintenance for your vehicle or motorcycle before embarking on your scenic journey. This would, of course, include having adequate auto insurance. To review your current automobile or motorcycle policy,  contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency, Inc.

As one of the first areas to be colonized by European settlers, as well as the site of Native American activity for thousands of years, it comes as no surprise that Connecticut has a long and storied history – and where there is history, there are hauntings. Today, with Halloween approaching, you can visit numerous haunted sites across the state, absorbing the atmosphere and quite possibly getting the scare of your life. However, even among Connecticut’s many haunted places, there are a few that stand out for being exceptionally spooky. Take a look at 5 of the most haunted places in Connecticut.

1. Norwich State Hospital, Preston

During its operation from 1904 to 1996, the Norwich State Hospital was the site of numerous tragedies and horrific events, from a patient who hanged himself in 1914 to a hot water heater explosion in 1919 that killed two employees. Today, the hospital stands in ruins, and has an exceedingly creepy atmosphere – numerous sightings of ghosts and reports of strange sights and sounds have been common. Although the actual facility is closed and guarded, you can view and take pictures of the hospital from the road.

2. Union Cemetery, Easton

Known as one of the most haunted cemeteries in the entire United States, the Union Cemetery contains burials dating back to the 1600s alongside modern-day graves. Famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren visited the site and even caught a glimpse of the White Lady, the graveyard’s most notorious ghost. Be careful of visiting at night – policemen guard the cemetery, which is off-limits after sunset.

3. Fairfield Hills State Hospital, Newtown

What is it with old hospitals and hauntings? The Fairfield Hills State Hospital housed criminally insane patients from 1931 to 1995, and, like the Norwich State Hospital, has a long and cruel history and many reports of hauntings. Unfortunately, it is strictly off-limits to visitors.

4. Dudleytown, Cornwall

Dudleytown is a ghost town in northwestern Connecticut, which was founded by Thomas Griffis in 1745. The deaths of many of its occupants have led to modern-day reports of hauntings; however, today’s owners of the Dudleytown land do not allow hikers to visit.

5. The Warren Occult Museum

Named for Ed and Lorraine Warren, the famous paranormal investigators, this museum is home to the actual doll that inspired the horror movie “Annabelle”. The doll is known to be haunted, moving on its own and even writing messages on the walls. Unlike the other sites on this list, you can visit the museum freely…if you dare!

Waitte’s Insurance Agency wishes you and your family a very fun, and SAFE Halloween!