Hiking the Hempstead Hillside: A Time-Travel Trek through New London, CT

Perched on a Hump Day hill in New London, Connecticut, the Hempstead Historic District is a history lover's dream come true. Founded by Robert Hempstead and Nathaniel Holt in the 17th century, this district boasts architecture that's older than the dark ages! Frame, Hempstead, and Home Streets, along with Mountain Avenue, are the main routes for this historical time-warp. This was once a farming community, but with the 1840s whaling industry boom, the town experienced a monumental surge.

The 19th century brought light industry to the forefront, leaving quite the historical imprint. The district's multicultural population was significant, with free black residents making up a sizeable portion of the town's population during this time. In 1986, the National Register of Historic Places recognized the district, following the lead of the 142 captivating houses, most of which were constructed between 1840 and 1920. Notable mentions include the 1845 Greek Revival New London County Jail, now the Shiloh Baptist Church, and the 1903 Renaissance Revival Saltonstall School.

Tourists can also check out the 1678 Joshua Hempstead House and the 1759 Nathaniel Hempstead House, which serve as museums offering a one-of-a-kind journey back in time.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons