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Stonington, CT

Frequently asked questions

Stonington, CT

Stonington is a town located in New London County, Connecticut. The municipal limits of the city include the borough of Stonington, the villages of Pawcatuck, Lords Point, and Wequetequock, and the eastern halves of the villages of Mystic and Old Mystic. Stonington is part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. The population of the town was 18,335 at the 2020 census.

The first European colonists established a trading house in the Pawcatuck section of town in 1649. The present territory of Stonington was part of lands that had belonged to the Pequot people, who referred to the areas making up Stonington as Pawcatuck (Stony Brook to the Pawcatuck River) and Mistack (Mystic River to Stony Brook). It was named "Souther Towne" or Southerton by Massachusetts in 1658 and officially became part of Connecticut in 1662 when Connecticut received its royal charter. Southerton was renamed "Mistick" in 1665, and finally named Stonington in 1666,  meaning "stony town". The founders were Thomas Miner, Walter Palmer, William Chesebrough, and Thomas Stanton. North Stonington was set off as a parish from Stonington in 1724 and incorporated as a town in 1807.

Sir Thomas Hardy led a British squadron during the War of 1812 consisting of HMS Ramillies, HMS Pactolus, HMS Dispatch, and HMS Terror. The ships appeared off Stonington Point on August 9, 1814, and Hardy demanded that the town surrender. The town Selectmen replied with a note that stated, "We shall defend the place to the last extremity; should it be destroyed, we shall perish in its ruins."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 50.0 sq mi (129.6 km²), of which 38.7 sq mi (100.2 km²) is land and 11.4 sq mi (29.4 km²) (or 22.68%), is water. In the waters off Stonington, the states of New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island come together at a single point.

Stonington places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Lawrence + Memorial Hospital offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Anytime Fitness and Planet Fitness offer comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. A Balanced Body Massage and Spa provides relaxing massages and spa treatments. Bend Yoga and Wellness offers yoga classes to help improve flexibility and reduce stress. Stonington Country Club offers a well-maintained golf course and facilities for a relaxing game. 

The top sites in Stonington, CT: DuBois Beach, Mystic Aquarium, and Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum.

Population: 18,335 (2020). ZIP Codes: 06355. Area codes: 860, 959. Elevation: 75 ft (23 m). Area: 48.98 sq mi (126.85 km²).

FAQs

Is Stonington, CT a good place to live?

Stonington is in New London County and is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. Living in Stonington offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Stonington and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Stonington are highly rated.

Is Stonington, CT a beach town?

The Town of Stonington is situated in the southeastern corner of Connecticut, bordering Westerly, Rhode Island to the east, Long Island Sound to the south, Groton, Ledyard, and North Stonington to the west and north.  Stonington is the only Connecticut town facing the Atlantic Ocean.  Fishers Island and Long Island, New York, can be seen to the southwest, and Block Island, Rhode Island to the southeast.  The rocky shoreline has many peninsulas, islands, coves, and marshes.

What is the history of Stonington, CT?

In 1658, Massachusetts claimed the town and called it Southertown. Governor John Winthrop, Jr. obtained the Connecticut charter from England in 1662, which set the boundaries of the town. The General Court changed the name from Southertown to Mystic in 1665, then renamed it Stonington in 1666. Originally, Stonington was known for farming in the coastal and Caribbean trade. In time, the town became known for its shipbuilding, sealing, and whaling. Militia from Stonington and nearby towns repelled two British attacks, once during the American Revolution, and again in the War of 1812.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Stonington

Stonington Borough

Inn at Stonington

Niche

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

DuBois Beach

Mystic Aquarium

Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

A Balanced Body Massage and Spa

Bend Yoga and Wellness 

Stonington Country Club

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