Hempsted Houses | New London

Information

Landmark: Hempsted Houses
City: New London
Country: USA Connecticut
Continent: North America

Hempsted Houses, New London, USA Connecticut, North America

The Hempsted Houses are a collection of historic structures located in New London, Connecticut, USA.

These buildings represent some of the earliest surviving colonial architecture in the region.

Visual Characteristics

The Hempsted Houses consist of three primary structures: the Hempsted House (circa 1678), the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse (circa 1740), and the Joshua Hempstead House (circa 1742). The Hempsted House is a saltbox-style dwelling constructed primarily of timber framing with clapboard siding. Its exterior is painted a neutral color, and it features a prominent central chimney. The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse is a smaller, one-room wooden structure with a gable roof. The Joshua Hempstead House is a two-story colonial home, also timber-framed with clapboard siding, featuring a symmetrical facade and a central entrance.

Location & Access Logistics

The Hempsted Houses are situated at 11 Hempstead Street in New London, Connecticut. This location is approximately 0.5km West of the New London city center. Access is via Hempstead Street, which is a paved public road. On-site parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the property. Public transport options include the Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) bus lines that service the downtown New London area; Route 1 and Route 2 buses stop within a 0.5km walking distance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Hempsted Houses were constructed by the Hempstead family, early settlers in the New London area. The Hempsted House, the oldest, was built by Robert Hempstead around 1678. The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse served as a place of education for Nathan Hale, the American spy, in the 1770s. The Joshua Hempstead House was built by Joshua Hempstead, a farmer and diarist, in 1742. These structures are examples of vernacular colonial architecture, reflecting the building techniques and domestic life of 17th and 18th-century New England.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the interior of the Hempsted House and the Joshua Hempstead House to observe period furnishings and architectural details. The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse is also accessible for viewing. Interpretive signage provides historical context for each building. Guided tours are offered seasonally, typically from May through October, with specific departure times announced on-site.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the property. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable in this urban area. No on-site food vendors are present; however, numerous restaurants and cafes are located within a 0.5km radius in downtown New London.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and visitor flow, visiting between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM is recommended. The best months for visiting are from May to October, when the weather is generally mild and outdoor conditions are favorable for exploring the grounds. No specific tide requirements apply to this inland site.

Facts & Legends

Joshua Hempstead kept a detailed diary spanning over 60 years, providing invaluable firsthand accounts of colonial life, local events, and personal experiences. This diary is considered one of the most comprehensive personal records from the period. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the original hearth in the Hempsted House, which showcases the cooking methods of the era.