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State Park Overview |
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Trails |
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History of the Area |
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Located on the Hebron-Bolton town line, Gay Citys 1,569 acres of parkland offer swimming, picnicking and an almost endless opportunity for exploration. The name "Gay City" derives from a now-extinct mill town that once occupied the site. Today only some tumbling stone foundations, several grass-filled cellar holes and a few silent tombstones suggest its former existence.Gay City was first settled in 1796 by a religious sect led by Elijah Andrus and later by Rev. Henry P. Sumner. The Gays soon comprised the majority of the 25 or more families who then lived in the community. The residents kept strictly to themselves, existing as distinctly separate from the neighboring communities. They built a sawmill along the Black Ledge River and erected homes from the lumber.
Gay Citys fate changed with the successes and failures of several commercial enterprises. A woolen mill on the site 1/4 mile below the present pond was a successful business until extreme pressures caused by the various blockades during the War of 1812 brought its closing. Once revived, the mill burned to the ground in 1830, beginning the towns decline with the exodus of many people to urban factory jobs. Rev. Sumners son built a paper mill which again revived the town somewhat until the Civil War, when many of the towns younger men were killed in battle. Soon after, the mill burned down, triggering the final demise of Gay City and natures reclaiming of the land. |
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Area Accommodations |
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1790s inn on historic village green. Close to University of Connecticut. Seven guest rooms/suites with private baths, full breakfast. Antiques and hand-made furniture throughout. | |  |
Westbrook , CT
Located along the CT Shoreline midway between New York City and Boston, and only one hour from Hartford, with tons of local attractions both on the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River.
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Brooklyn, CT
A Bed & Breakfast in the Quiet Corner of Northeast Connecticut on Route 169, a National Scenic Byway.
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More Info | |
Gay City State Park in Hebron, Connecticut offers a glimpse into Connecticuts industrial roots with over 1500 acres of endless opportunities for outdoor fun including the exploration of extinct ... | |
Press releases issued by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ... Connecticut June 25Swimming Area at Gay City State Park Closed to Swimming June 24Connecticut Presents Twenty ... | |
... Email Address June 25, 2003 Swimming Area at Gay City State Park Closed to Swimming The Connecticut Department of Environmental ... closed the swimming area at Gay City State Park in Hebron as a ... | |
... A Friend! Enter Email Address Swimming Area at Gay City State Park Reopened The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection ... swimming area at Gay City State Park in Hebron. The swimming ... | |
United Technologies Hartford Marathon Web Site. Events include Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Kids ... September 14, 2003 800AM Start GAY CITY STATE PARK Hebron, CT COURSE DESCRIPTION Off-road ... | |
United Technologies Hartford Marathon Web Site. Events include Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Kids ... Duathlon, Bolton, CT Off-road duathlon in Gay City State Park. 2.5 mile run, 10 mile bike ... | |
Town Of Hebron Connecticut ... our two public courses, hiking our miles of scenic trails, and family picnics in Gay City State Park. Come fall, it?s time for our annual Hebron Harvest Fair, the third ... | |
... safely on therapeutic FitBalls. A great workout for the abdominal, toning and stretch! Gay City State Park Gay City State Park offers a glimpse into Connecticuts industrial roots with over 1500 ... | |
... Event Results. Mt. Norwottuck. Sep. 28, 2003. NOD white, yellow, orange courses. Sep. 20, 2003. NOD map memory training. Sep. 20, 2003. Gay City State Park. Sep 15, 2003. Estabrook Woods. ... | |
Gay City Gay City State Park Hebron, CT Oct. 6, 2002 Paul Pearson, Event Director 227 people came to Gay City State Park on Sunday to take advantage of the beautiful fall day and to enjoy good ... |
Area Campgrounds | | Wolf's Den Cooperative Campground
256 Town St
East Haddam, CT
(860) 873-9681
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From the South/New London area Follow Route 85 north. Park entrance is 6.7 miles past the intersection with Route 66.
From Glastonbury area Take Route 85. Park entrance is 2.0 miles past the intersection with Route 94.
From the North/Hartford & Massachusetts area I-384 east to Exit 5. Take Route 85 south for 4.7 miles. |
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