Wethersfield Cove

In the mid-17th century, Wethersfield Cove was a busy center of shipping and trade.

Ships from far-off countries sailed to this bend in the Connecticut River, which at the time was the farthest point up the river that large vessels could go.

Then, in 1692, a flood wiped away five of the six warehouses that stood here, and shifted the flow of the river to the east, increasing maritime access to Hartford and transforming Wethersfield's deep-water port into a peaceful cove.

Now, when you come here, you will not see traders from the West Indies and Portugal and South America, or local farmers selling Wethersfield's famous red onions.

You will see little boats, and a barn-like building perched above the water. This is the single warehouse that the flood spared. It is now a museum operated by the Wethersfield Historical Society.

And many visitors who seem quite pleased that this is no longer a bustling hub of commerce.