Bridging the Thames

From early colonial times the location of New London on the Thames River estuary provided the inhabitants with a great resource for commerce and transportation although it also presented a natural barrier for getting across. The first way to get from one side of the Thames to the other was by boats of different types. But the challenge has been resolved by technological advances as can be seen in the photographs in this section.

Old railroad ferry in New London about 1866

Label for the photograph of the old railroad ferry. From the collection of Harold J. Cone

The ferry boat Mohegan about 1862

Label for the photograph of the ferry boat Mohegan. From the collection of Harold J. Cone

Sailboat on the Thames River in New London with the city in the background. From the collection of Harold J. Cone

The construction of a drawbridge spanning the Thames River between New London and Groton in 1889 marked the end of the cumbersome railroad ferry.

Original Thames River Bridge early 1890.jpg

Original Thames River Bridge early 1890s verso.jpg

Bridge in 1907

The Gold Star Memorial Bridge between New London and Groton was constructed in 1943. Click here for more information about this massive project. The photographs below were taken during its construction.

Gold star bridge construction 1940 wih church.jpg

This pamphlet was published in 1970 to provide information about the second span of the bridge that was under construction across the Thames River parallel to the "old" Gold Star Bridge.