Haddam Island State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haddam Island State Park |
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 Haddam Island State Park
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Haddam, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3.0 m) |
| Designation | Connecticut state park |
| Established | 1944 |
| Administrator | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Haddam Island State Park |
Haddam Island State Park is a special island in the lower Connecticut River. It's about 14 acres (5.7 hectares) big. The island is located in Haddam, Connecticut, in the United States.
This island was first used by the Wangunk tribe. They even kept the right to use it when they sold a large area of land to English settlers in 1662. Later, in the 1800s, people used the island for fishing and farming. In the early 1900s, it became a popular spot for fun and relaxation. Connecticut bought the island in 1944, making it a state park. You can only get to Haddam Island by boat. It's a great place for boating, fishing, and watching birds.
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Island History
The English settlers first called this island Thirty Mile Island. They thought it was 30 miles (48 km) north of the Connecticut River's mouth. The first English settlement nearby was also called Thirty Mile Island Plantation.
Wangunk Tribe's Connection
In May 1662, the Wangunk tribe sold a large area of land to the English settlers. This area was about 150 square miles (388 square km). The island was part of this sale. However, the Wangunk tribe made sure they could still use the island. They lived on the island and in the surrounding areas before selling their land. Records show the Wangunk tribe made other land sales later on.
Island Use Over Time
By the late 1700s, Haddam Island was a very important spot for fishing. In 1819, the island was listed as 18 acres (7.3 hectares) in size. People thought it would get even bigger. This was because a pier was built nearby, which caused sand to pile up. Today, the island is listed as 14 acres (5.7 hectares).
In the 1800s, two fishing companies worked from the island. They built piers there. The island was also used for raising cattle and growing corn. In the early 1900s, the island became a popular place for picnics and private parties. The State of Connecticut bought the island in 1944. That's when it officially became a state park.
Captain Kidd's Legend
There's a fun legend about Haddam Island. Some people say that Captain Kidd, a famous pirate, buried some of his treasure on the island. But so far, no treasure has ever been found!
Fun Activities
Haddam Island State Park is a wonderful place for outdoor activities.
Birdwatching
Many different kinds of birds visit Haddam Island. You can see lots of birds, especially when they are migrating. This makes it a great spot for birdwatching. Scientists have even done bird-banding research on the island.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and fishing are also popular activities here. You can get to the island by boat from the Haddam Meadows State Park boat launch. This launch is about half a mile (0.8 km) south of Haddam Island.
Important Tips
The northern side of the island has a beach. This beach is very delicate, so it cannot handle many visitors. Also, be careful because the island has a lot of poison ivy.
