[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E724-E725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE 350TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW LONDON, CT

                                 ______


                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 350th 
anniversary of the founding of New London, CT. Yesterday, I joined a 
wide array of State and local officials, residents and others in 
celebrating this momentous event. New London is among a handful of 
communities across our great Nation which have achieved this milestone. 
I believe this longevity is a remarkable testament to generations of 
nutmeggers who have made New London their home and a vitally important 
city throughout our history.
  New London was founded on May 6, 1646--merely 26 years after the 
Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, MA--by John Winthrop, Jr. who was the son 
of the Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Winthrop established a 
settlement on Winthrop's Cove. The community grew up around Winthrop 
and Shaw's Coves. The settlement was named New London formally in 
March, 1658 by the Connecticut General Court because the court believed 
the area exhibited many of the attributes of its namesake--``an 
excellent harbor and a fit and convenient place for future trade.'' 
Winthrop went on to serve as Governor of our State for 18 years--longer 
than any other Governor in our history. Winthrop's son, Fitz John, 
served as chief executive for more than 9 years while another New 
London native, Gurdon Saltonstall, served in this capacity for 17 
years.
  From its inception, New London has been a seafaring community. Early 
settlers fished in its coves and the nearby Thames River. As the 1700's 
progressed, New London became an important trading center. Vessels 
based in the city engaged in commerce with other colonial ports, Great 
Britain, Europe and the West Indies. Following the Revolutionary War, 
New London became a major whaling port. In fact, the city rivaled 
renowned whaling centers, such as New Bedford, winning the nickname it 
continues to hold today--the ``whaling city.'' The first whaling 
company was established in 1805 by Dr. Nathaniel Lee. Vessels from New 
London traveled thousands of miles to harvest whales off the coast of 
Antarctica often staying at sea for up to 1 year. By 1845, New London 
was home to 78 whaling ships and by 1850 these vessels returned with 
thousands of barrels of whale oil valued in excess of $1 million 
dollars. In the mid-1800's, prior to the development of petroleum 
products, whale oil fueled lamps, provided lubrication and served a 
wide range of other functions important to our growing Nation.
  Like many other communities across Connecticut, New London played an 
important role during the Revolutionary War. Moreover, some of the most 
well-known figures of the time were associated with the city. Nathan 
Hale, a schoolmaster in the city, left his job to fight at Bunker Hill 
and ultimately gave his life for his country when captured spying on 
the British. Hale is most well known for proclaiming ``I only regret I 
have but one life to lose for my country'' as he went to the gallows.

  Vessels which once traded with England, now engaged in privateering 
exacting a tremendous toll on British shipping. In one month in 1779, 
New London captains and their crews captured 18 English ships. In 1781, 
Captain Dudley Saltonstall seized the Hanna, which according to 
historical accounts, was carrying the richest cargo shipped from 
England during the War. New London paid a terrible price for this 
action. The British dispatched Benedict Arnold, who had turned traitor 
only months before, to punish the city for its ``transgressions.'' 
Arnold attacked the sparsely defended city with 900 men and ordered it 
burned to the

[[Page E725]]

ground. As a result of this dastardly action, New London has few 
structures remaining from the pre-Revolutionary era.
  Following the war, New London was rebuilt and maritime commerce 
resumed. As the 19th century progressed, manufacturing increased and 
New London began to take advantage of new markets up and down the east 
coast via the New Haven and New London Railroad. During World War I and 
II, New London once again played an important role as training center 
for service personnel. New London has been closely associated with 
national defense throughout the 20th century due to its proximity of 
the Naval Submarine Base and submarine-builder Electric Boat on the 
opposite bank of the Thames River. Moreover, New London has been home 
to the Coast Guard Academy since 1910.
  Mr. Speaker, as we honor New London on its 350th anniversary it 
retains many of the attributes which have distinguished it for more 
than three centuries. Thanks to the concerted efforts of the State and 
local officials, our congressional delegation and others, important 
port facilities are being rehabilitated. These improvements will allow 
New London to resume its position among the most important ports along 
the eastern seaboard. Whale oil has been replaced by high-tech products 
bound for markets across the country and around the globe. Commercial 
fishermen leave New London every morning bound for Long Island Sound 
and the Atlantic Ocean. Much like they did 300 years ago, residents and 
visitors continue to stroll through the historic district along State, 
Water and Bank Streets and the waterfront of Shaw's Cove.
  On this truly special occasion, the residents of New London have a 
right to be proud. Their city is among a select few in the Nation to 
reach this milestone. This community has endured through good times and 
bad, war and peace and prosperity and despair. Its citizens have built 
an incredible legacy which I know our great grandchildren will 
celebrate on New London's 450th anniversary. I offer my heart-felt 
congratulations to the city of New London on this special occasion.

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