The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Groton

GROTON, Conn., town in New London County, on the Thames River, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad; opposite New London. In 1637 Captain Mason stormed the fortress held by the Pequots, and many lives were lost, both white and Indians. A more disastrous fight occurred here 6 Sept. 1781, when 800 British troops under Benedict Arnold attacked Fort Griswold (q.v.), which was garrisoned by 150 soldiers. The Americans heroically resisted, but were overwhelmed by numbers, and Arnold and his force entering the fort butchered 8S men and wounded 65. Soon after 35 of the 65 died from the effects of their wounds. This battle is known in history as the &ldquo;Massacre of Fort Griswold.&rdquo; The site is now a State reservation, with a fine monument in commemoration of the defenders. Groton contains ship-building yards, several manufactories and the Bill Memorial Library. The government is regulated by annual town meetings. The waterworks and electric-light plants are municipally owned. Pop. 6,495. Consult Burgess, &lsquo;Historic Groton&rsquo; (Moosup, Conn., 1909); Caulkins, &lsquo;The Stone Records of Groton&rsquo; (1903); &lsquo;History of New London County&rsquo;; &lsquo;Magazine of American History,&rsquo; Vol. VII (New York 1880); &lsquo;The Massacre of Fort Griswold.&rsquo;