Essex is a town in Connecticut known for its beauty and Groundhog Day parade. What many people don’t realize is that this old town has quite a fascinating history. It’s in a small club of American cities that were invaded by a foreign power.

Like much of Connecticut, the area that is now Essex was originally home to Native Americans. The Nehantic tribe lived here until the English settled in the region in 1664.
playboyr/Wikimedia Commons
The town of Essex is made up of three villages. Essex Village, Centerbrook, and Ivoryton all sit along the Connecticut River.
UConn Library MAGIC/Flickr
The War of 1812 is somewhat overshadowed in history books by the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World Wars. But the war was a tragic and destructive event that put a huge scar on the young American nation.
Safe Harbor Essex Island/Google Maps

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In August 1814, British troops burned the U.S. Capitol, President's Mansion, and several other buildings in Washington D.C.
West Smithfield, [London] : Published by G. Thompson No. 43 Long Lane, 1814 Oct. 14/Library of Congress
The event was a huge hit to the nation's government: the Senate actually had nowhere to meet. It was also a massive moral blow for the young nation.
The destruction to the country's capital was a major event that is pretty well-known. What many people don't realize is that four months before the attack on D.C., the British attacked Essex (though the city was then called Potopaug).
Joe Mabel/Flickr
The British attack on Potopaug Harbor destroyed 28 ships, valued around $200,000 in 1814 dollars. There were soldiers defending the city, but the 4:00 a.m. surprise attack was so sudden that there was not much of a chance to stop it.

The Potopaug militia turned over the town to the British in exchange for promises to not harm the citizens or damage their homes.
By the time the sun came up, it was difficult for the British to hold their gains, now lacking the element of surprise. They fled the area, taking several small boats and massive amounts of rum and supplies.
Joe Mabel/Flickr

Each year, a local group commemorates the “Burning of the Ships” event by parading down Main Street in period naval uniforms. By tradition, the event is not publicized

Did you know the history of Essex? What other interesting historical events in Connecticut would you like to see featured? Share your opinions in the comments.

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