Ledyard, town in New London County, Connecticut, United States
Ledyard is a small town in southeastern Connecticut that sits along the Thames River. The landscape features residential neighborhoods, historic farms, tree-lined roads, and open spaces that give the area a quiet, rural character.
The town was established in 1836 after separating from Groton and was named for Colonel William Ledyard, who died at the Battle of Groton Heights in 1781. In the 1800s it remained primarily agricultural, with residents farming the land and relying on the Thames River for supplies and trade.
The name Ledyard honors Colonel William Ledyard, a Revolutionary War officer whose memory remains part of local identity. Historic homes and markers throughout the town reflect the everyday connection residents maintain with this past.
The town is organized into several areas, including Ledyard Center where routes 117 and 214 meet, and Gales Ferry with its historic districts. Visitors can navigate easily and find local services like town hall, library, and small shops spread throughout.
Gales Ferry is home to America's oldest college rowing race, which began in 1878 between Harvard and Yale and still takes place each June. The event draws spectators from across the region and has become a lasting local tradition that continues today.
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