Downtown New London Historic District

Downtown New London Historic District is a waterfront neighborhood containing 222 buildings spread across 78 acres along the Thames River. The structures range from the late 18th century through the early 20th century, representing Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate architectural styles.

British forces burned the settlement in 1781, which led to a complete rebuilding of the district in following years. This reconstruction period shaped the mix of architectural styles visible in the streets today.

The district reflects how the community rebuilt itself after destruction, with each building style telling part of the recovery story. Walking through the streets, you can see how residents chose to construct homes and public spaces that mixed practical needs with local architectural traditions.

The area is best explored on foot by walking State Street, Bank Street, and Green Street to view the buildings. Most structures are visible from the outside, making a leisurely stroll through the district an ideal way to see the architecture and street layout.

The New London Custom House, built in 1833, still operates as the oldest active customs facility in the country. This building stands as a reminder of how long this waterfront area has served the nation's trade.

Location: New London

Elevation above the sea: 8 m

GPS coordinates: 41.35278,-72.09639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22