East Haddam, Connecticut, USA (Goodspeed's Landing) (Moodus) (Leesville) (Hadlyme)
1819 - East Haddam

East-Haddam is a considerable post township, situated upon the east side of Connecticut river, in the southeast section of the county, 13 miles southeast from Middletown, and about 27 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Chatham and Colchester, on the east by Colchester and Lyme, in New-London county, on the south by Lyme, and on the west principally by Connecticut river, but partly by the Salmon river, separating it from Haddam Neck, belonging to the town of Haddam.

The average length of the township, from east to west, is nearly 8 miles, and its average breadth from north to south, is about 6 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 50 square miles.

The face of the country presents the usual granitic features of this region, being rough, and of a mountainous character; but the soil, which is a primitive gravelly loam, is generally strong and fertile. There is some alluvial upon the borders of the streams, which, with some other small sections, is suitable for the cultivation of gran; but the principal part of the township is best adapted to grazing, and is too rough and stony for tillage. There is considerable timber in the town, which is of an excellent quality.

The agricultural interests and pursuits are principally directed to the dairy business, and the raising of cattle and sheep.

The waters of the town are abundant; it being washed upon its western border by the Connecticut, throughout most of its extent, and the residue by Salmon river. There are also several small streams which intersect and fertilize the different sections of the township, and afford numerous sites for hydraulic works.

Upon the Connecticut and Salmon rivers, there are several good harbours or landings, at which the commercial business is carried on, which consists principally in a trade with New-York and the southern States. Considerable quantities of wood are conveyed to the New-York market. The landing places afford great facilities to the business of ship building, which at some periods has received considerable attention.

The shad fisheries in the Connecticut constitute an important business, and are a source of considerable profit. They are six in number; and it has been estimated that the average quantity of shad, taken annually, is nearly 50,000.

The manufacturing and mechanical interests of the town are respectable. There are 1 Cotton Factory, 1 Woolen Factory, 3 Clothiers' works, 3 Carding Machines, 1 Oil Mill, 6 Grain Mills, 19 Saw Mills and 13 Tanneries.

There were 2537 inhabitants in this town, at the census of 1810; and there are about 300 Electors, 3 Companies of Militia, and about 390 Dwelling houses.

This town is accommodated with a turnpike road to Colchester, and the contemplated turnpike from New-Haven to Norwich will pass through it.

The civil divisions of East-Haddam are 3 located Congregational Societies and 19 School Districts. Besides the located, there is 1 Society of Episcopalians and 1 of Baptists.

There are 8 or 10 Mercantile Stores and 3 Social Libraries in the town.

The amount of taxable property and polls, in 1817, was $60,327.

This town was originally a part of Haddam; and for an account on its first settlement, we must refer the reader to that town. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1734.

A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819

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