Paddle from Enfield Rapids to Long Island Sound and travel down one of America's most famous waterways, the Connecticut River. Its calm waters conceal an unruly past, where native tribes lost ground to Dutch and English colonists who vied for the river's immense economic power. The skyline of Hartford looms on the western shore, with the gold dome of the capitol as a remnant of this robust economy centered on world trade. Many have found a deep inspiration along the river, including Lady Fenwick, a local legend; David Bushnell, creator of the first American submarine; and even Albert Einstein, who contemplated the cosmos while relaxing on the riverbanks. Author Wick Griswold takes readers on a provocative journey as he traces the history of the Connecticut River.

A lavishly illustrated, comprehensive, interdisciplinary study of the natural and human elements that comprise the Upper Connecticut River watershed

The authoritative guide to the Connecticut River for boaters, canoeists, and kayakers.

Shipbuilding and shipping have always been key elements in the life of Essex. Since the seventeenth century, the men and women of the lower Connecticut River Valley sustained maritime traditions that spanned the globe in splendid wooden sailing vessels. Their accomplishments include building the first warship of the Connecticut navy and the world's first submarine. They also served as packet ship captains, navigators and skilled crew members who crossed the Atlantic. The Essex area was also home to dedicated craftsmen who produced some of the finest yachts ever built. Noted historians Wick Griswold and Ruth Major detail one village's important role in American maritime history.

Over 200 beautiful colour photos provide a detailed look at a wide variety of tobacco sheds in the Connecticut River Valley. An engaging text delivers a unique look at tobacco sheds from a historical, personal, and an agricultural perspective through the changing seasons. Readers will enjoy an overview of the tobacco industry from the farmer's perspective and tour the valley's rich agricultural history, using interviews and hands-on research to captured the essence of this special crop. Learn why it is still an important part of life for the region and how Yankee ingenuity married form and function to solve unique problems presented by fickle weather conditions. Further, the text explores the construction and unique features of tobacco sheds, and how some historic sheds have been transformed, given new life and new uses. This book will be treasured by everyone fascinated with farm architecture and rural New England life.

Completely revised and updated, this is the definitive guide to more than 2000 miles of river in southern New England, making it the ideal resource for whitewater and flat water kayakers and canoeists.

Connecticut Waters is a tribute to Connecticut’s maritime roots both past and present. The book takes readers on a nautical journey exploring the many ways Nutmeggers use our lakes, rivers, sounds and shores for industry, education, and recreation. From boat builders, to antique, power and sailing vessels, to lobster shacks, the oyster and fishing industries, historic ferries, nautical arts, lighthouses and islands, charter boats, maritime festivals and celebrations, and more, this book showcases how these waterways have defined our culture and shaped our heritage as a state.

This is the dynamic account of one of the most destructive maritime actions to take place in Connecticut history: the 1814 British attack on the privateers of Pettipaug, known today as the British Raid on Essex. During the height of the War of 1812, 136 Royal marines and sailors made their way up the Connecticut River from warships anchored in Long Island Sound. Guided by a well-paid American traitor the British navigated the Saybrook shoals and advanced up the river under cover of darkness. By the time it was over, the British had burned twenty-seven American vessels, including six newly built privateers. It was the largest single maritime loss of the war. Yet this story has been virtually left out of the history books—the forgotten battle of the forgotten war. This new account from author and historian Jerry Roberts is the definitive overview of this event and includes a wealth of new information drawn from recent research and archaeological finds. Lavish illustrations and detailed maps bring the battle to life.