Walk Through History at Fort Trumbull State Park
Experience a walk through history at Fort Trumbull State Park, where you’ll discover the evolution of this centuries-old coastal fortress.
The history of Fort Trumbull in Connecticut is a fascinating tale that reflects the strategic military importance of the region throughout various periods. Established in the early 19th century, specifically in 1809, the fort was named after Jonathan Trumbull, the governor of Connecticut during the American Revolutionary War. Its primary purpose was to protect the harbor of New London, a vital shipping and naval point, especially during the War of 1812 when tensions with Britain escalated. Over the years, Fort Trumbull underwent several renovations and expansions, adapting to the evolving needs of military defense, including the installation of modern artillery and fortifications. The fort played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as a training ground for Union soldiers and a base for coastal defense. However, by the late 19th century, advancements in military technology rendered the fort obsolete, leading to its decommissioning in 1889. While Fort Trumbull itself dates back to the American Revolution, the structure you see today was built in 1852 in not its second iteration but its third! Today, Fort Trumbull stands as a historic site, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past through preserved structures and informative exhibits, allowing us to appreciate the fort’s role in shaping the military landscape of Connecticut and the nation. Let’s look into the ways you can explore this terrific state park on the Connecticut Shoreline.
Go for a Walk at Fort Trumbull State Park
If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing walk, this park is the perfect destination to satisfy that desire. Nestled alongside the Thames River, it offers an incredibly serene and calming environment, regardless of whether the weather is cool and cloudy or warm and sunny. As you walk through the park, you will be welcomed by the gentle sounds of the ocean waves lapping against the shore, the distant calls of seagulls, and the invigorating sea breezes that refresh your spirit. The walk through the park is relatively short, making it easy to enjoy at a leisurely pace, and along the way, you will come across numerous informative placards that provide interesting insights to pause and read. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore both the north and south battery, as well as the historic structure itself, enriching your experience in this beautiful setting.
Go Fishing at the Fort Trumbull State Park
One thing you’ll observe at this state park is that many visitors come equipped with fishing gear, regardless of the season (well, perhaps not during the dead of winter, but you understand my point!). This is due to Fort Trumbull having a large fishing pier where you can reel in various types of fish, and many visitors take the time to fish.
In the write-up about Fort Trumbull on Thames River Heritage Park, they detail some of the fish you can expect to catch at the pier:
This site also offers spectacular fishing opportunities. Its one-of-a-kind fishing pier boasts access to the major game fish of Long Island Sound. Saltwater anglers will find a unique combination of sport fish including striped bass, bluefish, weakfish and tautog as they feed on the variety of bait fish found at the mouth of the Thames River. In addition to 24-hour access, the pier offers bright lighting and individual pole holders for angler comfort; year-round restrooms and fresh running water.
Take a Tour of the Fort at Fort Trumbull
During the summer months, the fort itself is open for self-guided tours and it’s truly fascinating to see how inhabitants of the fort lived and protected themselves. As you explore the meticulously maintained grounds, you can appreciate the impressive stone walls and the sweeping views of the surrounding area, which were essential for monitoring naval activities. If you’re able to secure a guided tour, you’ll hear intriguing stories about the fort's construction in the early 19th century, its strategic importance during various conflicts, and the lives of the soldiers who once called it home. The tour allows you to traverse the fort's sturdy walls, gaze through its historic cannons, and appreciate the breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, and watch your step as you enter the fort, and ascend to the top of the fort itself for the amazing views.
Explore the History of Fort Trumbull at the Visitor Center
During the summer months, The Fort Trumbull Visitor Center is open and is a terrific place to visit - and perhaps cool off for a while! The Visitor Center functions as an adjoining museum explaining the history of Fort Trumbull. You’ll learn about its functions from its time during the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and its final use during the Cold War. Three floors of exhibits highlights the history of the site and its evolution to the state park it is today.
As you walk in to the visitor center, you will see a spacious lobby adorned with informative displays that highlight the fort's storied past, from its strategic military role to its transformation into a historical landmark. The center features interactive exhibits that engage guests of all ages, allowing them to delve deeper into the narratives of the soldiers who once manned the fort and the various conflicts that shaped the region, along with a gift shop.
Move up to the second floor, and you will see an engaging insight into the area’s rich history and heritage. The carefully curated exhibition that features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, all aimed at immersing them in the narrative of Fort Trumbull and its importance in American history. You will learn about the history of the site and the establishment of New London as a colonial maritime city all the way through the construction of the third and current iteration of the fort. Moreover, panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the experience by allowing visitors to appreciate the fort’s location within its historical context. You’ll see interactive touchscreens and text panels, allowing you to embrace the history in a three dimensional experience.
The third floor of the Fort Trumbull Visitor Center offers a fascinating glimpse into its final role as a submarine laboratory during the Cold War. This unique space, once bustling with activity, served as a critical site for research and development in underwater technology and naval strategy. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the innovative experiments conducted within these walls, showcasing the advanced submarine designs and technologies that emerged during a time of intense geopolitical tension. The carefully curated displays include photographs, artifacts, and interactive elements that bring to life the stories of the scientists and military personnel who worked tirelessly to enhance the United States’ naval capabilities.
Unfortunately, the Visitor Center is only open during the summer months, which is a shame because it’s a terrific museum and I really enjoyed my experience there. If you’re traveling during the summer months later in the week and on weekends, make this one of your stops. It’s worth your time.
When and Why You Should Visit Fort Trumbull State Park
Connecticut experiences all four seasons, and the shoreline is no exception. While you’ll still likely enjoy a winter visit, that will only consist of the grounds and some areas are closed, included the Visitor Center. This is more of a seasonal attraction, so the best time to visit and get the most out of your visit late in the week and on weekends between Memorial Day in late-May and Labor Day in early-September. This is where the entire site is open, the fishing pier is alive and well, the visitor center is open and you can board cruises from this site to explore the Thames River, including a “hop on/hop off cruise”. While the shoulder seasons are also good times to visit, you won’t get the full experience of visiting during the summer. I will say as well, that in the summer months, it is not extremely crowded so you will get a relaxing experience being near the water. Nonetheless, whether you explore this site in a limited or full way, you will enjoy it and learn something interesting along the way.
Fort Trumbull State Park and Museum is located at 90 Walbach St in New London, CT. Parking is free of charge, but it is first come, first served. As previously noted, the grounds itself are open sunrise to sunset, the visitor center and museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and finally, the fort itself is open for tours from late June to Labor Day. The best time to visit is during the months of July and August. The park itself is free to visit, but a small fee applies to tour the museum. Visit the website for more information.
Adjacent to the park is a water taxi port, where you can take “hop on/hop off” and other types of cruises during the summer months. If you’re interested, visit the Thames River Heritage Park website.