HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINE

Guilford is the seventh oldest town in the Connecticut and the United State’s oldest surviving stone house was built there in 1639 by Rev. Henry Whitfield, a minister from Ockley a town near London, England. Guilford was purchased that same year from the Indian squaw Shaumishuk for 12 hoes, 12 blankets, 12 pair of shoes, 12 spoons, 12 knives etc. She also promised not to hurt or steal the possesions of the colonists in the future.

East Guilford was purchased in 1641 and later renamed Madison after the fourth President.

The shoreline area played a prominent role in the French and Indian, Revolutionary and Civil Wars. During the War of 1812 Faulkner’s Island off the Guilford coast was actually occupied by the British.

Branford's Thimble Islands were the location of President Taft's Summer White House, the hideout of notorious pirate Captain Kidd and a romantic getaway for Barnum midget General Tom Thumb and his bride.