Experience 300 Years of Norwich History
The primary goal of this website is to educate the public about Norwich, Connecticut’s rich heritage and history spanning the 300-year period from 1659 to 1959. The site offers quick and easy access to an extensive collection of media, focusing on Norwich’s historical events, places, and other interesting tidbits.
This site is entirely free of charge
IconicNorwich.org features over 3,000 concise articles and numerous historical maps of Norwich. The articles are organized into more than 30 categories. The Bibliography connects you to thousands of historical web-based links from Norwich. Several quizzes, prepared presentations, and crossword puzzles are provided to enhance the learning environment.
You are invited to add or contribute to new or existing placemarks by filling out the form in the “Contribute Article” section.
Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
Added: Caleb B. Rogers Biography: Click Here
Added: Winslow Tracy Williams Biography: Click Here
Added: Sarah Osgood Biography: Click Here
Added: John C. Perkins Biography: Click Here
Added: George W. Kies Biography: Click Here
Added: William Henry Huntington Biography: Click Here
1817-1874 James M. Huntington
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
James Monroe Huntington was born in Norwich on August 8, 1817, and to a large degree inherited the virtues and ennobling characteristics of his illustrious ancestors, whose names have ever been synonymous with integrity, uprightness, and a devotion to the best interests of society. He was educated in his native town and began his business career as a clerk for the late A. F. Gilman, who ran a drug business in the building now occupied by Lee & Osgood.
In 1846, Mr. Huntington formed a partnership with Theodore Raymond and James M. Meech. Several years later, in 1856, their firm purchased the Cold Spring Iron-Works, which was subsequently sold to the Mitchell Brothers and James Huntington. They commenced shipbuilding in Thamesville. They built eleven vessels, nine of which were steamers, constructing not only the hulls but also the entire machinery.
Three of these steamers, the Uncas, the Norwich, and the Whirlwind, were in the service of the government during the Civil War. They were also very interested in the West India trade and owned a wharf and bonded warehouse in New London. One of their steamers, the Whirlwind, was the first American merchant steamer to enter the port of Puerto Rico.
Click HERE to learn more about J.M. Huntington
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” is published here bi-monthly on Fridays.
Next issue will appear here on Friday, October 2
The USS Norwich
Built in Thamesville
*Place your cursor over image to magnify
An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Company. Click image to see.
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees