On June 28, 1839, a schooner called the Amistad departed Havana, Cuba with fifty-three captive people from the west coast of Africa. After a long journey on the schooner that would have ended with their enslavement on a sugar plantation, the captive passengers attempted to gain freedom, killing the captain and seizing control of the ship. While attempting to sail home, they were captured by the United States Navy and taken into New London Harbor. Learn more about the Amistad Rebellion, commemorated at the Amistad Pier, and New London's Black Heritage Trail.
The Thames River Heritage Park is a series of historic locations along the Thames River in New London and Groton. The Thames was home to one of the largest whaling ports of the 19th century and was also the birthplace of the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear-power submarine. Three water taxi landings (City Pier Landing and Fort Trumbull Landing in New London, and Thames River Landing in Groton), provide access to a tour of these locations by water taxis that were once US Navy utility boats.
From I-95 westbound, take Exit 84 S-N-E for Route 32 and bear left for Route 32S towards New London/Hodges Square/Norwich. Continue for 1.2 miles, then turn left onto Tilley Street. Turn left onto Bank street and then right onto Bank Street Connector. Continue straight across the tracks and the parking lot is on the left.
From I-95 eastbound, take Exit 83 for Route 32. Continue straight on Huntington Street/Route 641 for about 1 mile. At the end of Huntington Street, bear slightly left onto Tilley Street. At the end of Tilley Street, turn left onto Bank Street and then right onto Bank Street Connector. Continue straight across the tracks, and the parking lot is on the left.
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