StoningtonOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Indigenous Lands to Colonial Settlement

The area now known as Stonington was inhabited by the Pequot people, who called the lands Paquatuck (from Stony Brook to the Pawcatuck River) and Mistack (from the Mystic River to Stony Brook). European colonists, including William Chesebrough and Walter Palmer, began settling in the area around 1649. Thomas Stanton established a trading house in Pawcatuck in 1649. Initially, the territory was claimed by Massachusetts and named "Souther Towne" or Southerton in 1658. With Connecticut receiving its royal charter in 1662, the boundaries were set to include Stonington within Connecticut's jurisdiction. The name changed to "Mistick" in 1665, and then to Stonington in 1666, meaning "stony town," a reference to the rocky terrain.

Maritime Economy and Wartime Defense

From the late 18th century through the mid-19th century, Stonington was a maritime center. Its economy, initially focused on coastal and Caribbean trade and farming, shifted to shipbuilding, sealing, and whaling due to the stony land. Stonington's harbor was home to a fleet of merchant ships engaged in seal hunting, particularly off the Patagonian coastline, with skins sold in China. The town was a whaling port, supporting 50 whaling vessels across 167 voyages. The wealth from these industries led to the construction of homes and churches that line Water Street and Main Street today.

Stonington played a role in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. In August 1775, local inhabitants repelled a British naval demand for food and livestock at Long Point. During the War of 1812, on August 9, 1814, a British squadron under Captain Sir Thomas Hardy bombarded Stonington Point for three days after the town refused to surrender. The town's militia and residents defended the town, resulting in few American casualties. This event is memorialized at Cannon Square, where original cannons from the battle stand.

In the 19th century, Stonington became a transportation link between New York and Boston with the completion of the Stonington Railroad in 1837, connecting passengers to steamship services. The town was made a port of entry in 1842, which contributed to an influx of Portuguese immigrants from the Azores, via whaling vessels, bringing their fishing expertise. Today, Stonington is home to Connecticut's last commercial fishing fleet.

• —Stonington Lighthouse Museum — Climb the 1840 stone lighthouse for views of Long Island Sound, extending to Rhode Island and New York. Inside, exhibits detail the area's maritime and agricultural history.
• —Captain Nathaniel Palmer House — This National Historic Landmark was the home of Captain Nathaniel Palmer, credited with discovering Antarctica in 1820. The house, designed in 1850 by Gamaliel King, now serves as the headquarters for Historic Stonington and features exhibits, model ships, and period textiles.
• —Cannon Square — This central square commemorates the 1814 Battle of Stonington during the War of 1812. It features two 18-pounder cannons used by American forces during the engagement and a granite obelisk.
• —Stonington Harbor (Public Docks) — Observe the working waterfront where Connecticut's last commercial fishing fleet docks. This is a place to see fishermen bringing in their catch and to experience the town's ongoing maritime tradition.
• —Dubois Beach — At the end of Water Street, this local beach offers a spot for swimming or walking, with views of Stonington Harbor, the breakwater, Fisher's Island, and Sandy Point.
• —The Velvet Mill — A repurposed industrial site that housed the American Velvet Company until 1998. It now hosts entrepreneurs, art and craft stores, health services, and a year-round Saturday farmers market.

Stonington is appealing year-round. Spring and summer (May to August) offer the best weather for outdoor activities, with average high temperatures reaching 73°F (22.8°C) in July. This period is suitable for exploring the harbor, beaches, and historic district. Fall (September and October) is also a good time to visit, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and fall foliage along the streets and harbor.

Winter (November to April) brings colder temperatures, with January averaging around 30.4°F (-0.9°C). Many shops and restaurants remain open, but some smaller boutiques may have limited hours. Outdoor activities are more restricted. The period from late August to late September often has a good combination of warm weather and clear skies.

Stonington is roughly halfway between New York City and Boston, accessible by car or train. The town is part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. The historic Borough is walkable; comfortable shoes are recommended for stone streets and uneven walkways.

Street parking is available throughout the Borough, and some free lots can be found near the harbor. On weekends, parking can be limited, so arriving early is advisable. The Stonington Village Farmers Market is a year-round event held on Saturdays at The Velvet Mill. From Memorial Weekend to mid-October, it is outdoors; in winter, it moves inside. It offers local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

For families with young children, there is a fenced-in playground next to the Town Dock on Front Street.