Where Gumbo Was #446
We have reached another Monday, and that means it is time to reveal where Gumbo has been for the past week. Congratulations to Professor Abe, George G., Roderick Simpson and PortMoresby, who all correctly figured out that Gumbo has been spending time at the New London waterfront.
New London was founded in 1646, at the mouth of the Thames River, in the colony of Connecticut. It has one of the best deep water ports along the Long Island Sound, and it quickly became a base for the U.S. Navy and for whaling operations. Tributes to both aspects of that history are present on today’s water front.
Parade Plaza sits in front of New London’s Union Station. That is where you will find the Whale Tail Fountain, designed by sculptor Alan Cottrill. This is a tribute to both the Brave men who took to the sea and the whales they harvested. It offers a cool respite on a hot summer day.
Whale Tale Fountain and Union Station
Next to the square is the Nathan Hale School House. The famous Revolutionary War soldier and spy taught here from 1774-1775, before going the colonial army.
Nathan hale School HouseAcross from the plaza is New London’s Union Station. Built in 1887, it is one of the oldest stations on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Today it is the center of the city’s transit hub, serving Amtrak, the Shore Line East rail lines, along with Greyhound buses and the nearby ferry service to Block Island and Long Island.
Southbound Platform at Union Station
Amtrak service arriving at the station
On the pier behind Union Station sits one more connection to New London’s naval history. The USCGC Eagle is a 295 foot barque, a tall ship, which can operate under sail or motor. The ship is used as a training vessel for the US Coast Guard Academy, which is located in New London. It is taken on cruises at least once a year, manned by cadets from the academy.
That is all from New London. Check in tomorrow to see where Gumbo is off to next.
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