Noank is a village on a small peninsula, vaguely ear-shaped, at the western edge of the entrance to Mystic River Harbor. With water on three sides and the double-tracked railroad corridor cutting it off on the northwest, Noank has an isolated feeling, much like an island.
National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form
Technically Noank, CT is a village, or census-designated place, versus a neighborhood. But since it is a separate and distinct part of the town of Groton, CT let’s just say it qualifies. I do know that you won’t find it on a map of Connecticut towns, but if you ask anyone where Abbot’s Lobster is they can tell you exactly how to get to Noank.
Some Basic Noank, CT History
The Noank area was originally inhabited by the Pequot people during the summer months, and was referred to as Nauyang, meaning “point of land”. The Pequot were driven out after the 1655 Pequot War and the land was acquired via lottery by James Morgan in 1712.
Over the years the Noank community grew through fishing, lobstering, and boat-building and in 1850 brothers John and Robert Palmer started a shipyard that eventually grew into the largest facility for building or repairing wooden vessels in southern New England, employing over 300 men and credited with producing over 600 wooden vessels.
The Palmer shipyard is known for the Noank smack, a type of fishing sailboat. The Emma C. Berry, one of the oldest surviving examples, was restored by Mystic Seaport Museum and is now part of their permanent collection.
Noank also lays claim to one of the longest running Memorial Day parades in the country, taking place since 1876. Most of the community was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, primarily because of the residential architecture that has been so well preserved.
Noank, CT Landmarks
In addition to the aforementioned Abbott’s Lobster, Noank also lays claim to Ford’s Lobster. Neither restaurant takes reservations, but a wait is well rewarded. Which has a better lobster roll? That’s a hotly debated subject, but since I don’t eat lobster I can’t opine. I suggest trying both, and you can’t go wrong with the view at either.
If you love fried seafood instead, check out Abbott’s sister restaurant in the Noank Shipyard, Costello’s Clam Shack. So much deliciousness! All three restaurants are BYOB, too. Looking for the perfect breakfast or local ice cream instead? Then visit a Noank institution for over 100 years, Carson’s Store.
Carson’s is on Main Street today but was in two different locations prior. First opened in 1907 by Jane Carson and her family, it stayed in the Carson family until 1979 when it was purchased by David Blacker. His son Andrew keeps the Carson’s Store tradition alive today after a brief period of closure, and it’s one of the first things you spot as you drive into Noank.
Although it is no longer in operation and is a private residence today, the Morgan Point Lighthouse is another well-known local landmark. Named for James Morgan, it sits at the tip of Noank at the mouth of the Mystic River where it once helped to guide boats into the Noank harbor. The current lighthouse was built in 1868, a replacement of the original constructed in 1831.
It is difficult to see from land as the grounds are private, but I hope to get a view from the water one day. The two-story granite exterior has been preserved, while the interior has been redesigned to better accommodate modern living as seen in this article from a few years ago.
The real “landmark” of Noank is not a single building or place, but the collection of historic homes that make up its center. It is quite simply one of the most charming areas I have ever seen, and I immediately began researching real estate listings in town. The homes are on the smaller side (for the most part), the architecture is vintage, and the details are special and sweet.
Of course, there are some newer homes built directly on the coastline taking advantage of the incredible views, but give me a little Greek Revival home or Gothic Revival cottage on a narrow street in town any day. So narrow that the speed limit is set at 15 mph throughout Noank!
One house in particular stands out. Standing at the top of a hill overlooking the harbor is a Victorian lady known as the “House of Fables”. This massive home dwarfs most of its neighbors, and fittingly so. It was constructed in 1884 by Robert Palmer, deacon of the nearby Baptist church and owner of the Palmer shipyard. Many of the shipyard’s employees worked on the house contributing greatly to its craftsmanship.
It’s nickname comes from the elaborately carved wooden screen on the side of the porch which has fifteen different panels, each symbolizing one of Aesop’s fables.
Perhaps the largest and most significant landmark is the Baptist church, which sits on the highest point in all of Noank. The original Italianate structure from 1867 was expanded upon over the years. Three are three other small churches, one of which is now a Noank museum and the other converted to apartments.
A Little Noank, CT Trivia
I love learning bits of trivia about a place, so here are a few tidbits I came across in my research:
- Aviator Amelia Earhart married George Palmer Putnam in Noank in 1931. Putnam was a publisher, author, and explorer and among other accomplishments, he led an expedition to Greenland sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History. He ultimately became Earhart’s widower when her plane was lost as she attempted to fly around the globe a second time.
- The 4- masted schooner Alice L. Pendleton which originated in North Carolina was abandoned in Noank in the 1940s, where she gradually rotted away and settled under water on the edge of the Mystic River.
- Ford’s Lobster was featured in the film Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts, as were other area locales.
Noank, CT Today
What is most refreshing about Noank is that little has changed over the years. The village is still tiny, the majority of the architecture is still intact, and life still revolves around boating and seafood. Noank is a bit of a throwback, in the best possible way.
Summer days and nights have visitors flocking to the restaurants in town, but otherwise, it’s a sleepy little place where residents enjoy the peace and small-town charm that surrounds them.
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My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
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