Thames River (Connecticut)
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:Use American English Template:Infobox river
The Thames River (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>) is a short river and tidal estuary in the state of Connecticut. It flows south for Template:Convert<ref name=NHD>U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed April 1, 2011</ref> through eastern Connecticut from the junction of the Yantic River and Shetucket River at Norwich, Connecticut, to New London and Groton, Connecticut, which flank its mouth at Long Island Sound. The Thames River watershed includes a number of smaller basins and the Template:Convert long Quinebaug River, which rises in southern Massachusetts and joins the Shetucket River about four miles northeast of Norwich.<ref>"Eastern Connecticut Conservation District". accessed June 24, 2112</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
The river has provided important harbors since the mid-17th century. It was originally known as the Pequot River after the Pequot Indians who dominated the area. Other early names for the river have included Frisius, Great, Great River of Pequot, Little Fresh, New London, and Pequod. The town was officially named New London in 1658 and the estuary river was renamed Thames after the River Thames in London, England.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The United States Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut College, a U.S. Navy submarine base, and the Electric Boat submarine shipyard are located on the river at New London and Groton. Template:USS was launched into the river on January 21, 1954 from Electric Boat, becoming the world's first nuclear-powered submarine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In addition to the submarine bases, a US Navy Magnetic Silencing Facility is also installed within the mouth of the river.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Two historic forts overlook the mouth of the river at New London harbor, now Connecticut State Parks: Fort Griswold on the eastern Groton Heights, and Fort Trumbull on the New London side.
Events
The Harvard-Yale Regatta is held annually in New London. New London's Sailfest is an annual event which includes Operation Sail, a gathering of large sailing vessels including the Coast Guard training ship Template:USCGC.
Crossings
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See also
References
Template:Thames River Watershed Template:Rivers of Connecticut Template:Coastal waterbodies of Connecticut