Sea Captains homes in Mystic….and their stories

What are those cool, nautical, special signs on select homes on your walking tour through Mystic?  They typically contain a date, a name, and an occupation.

In 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bi-centennial, the Mystic Garden Club researched ownership on some of Mystic’s beautiful historic homes.  Given the history of Mystic, many were built, owned or occupied by leading maritime figures of the area.   Any Mystic Revealed guided walking tour will include a unique glimpse at a number of these amazing homes.

In addition to being beautiful and historic, our favorite of these homes have a story.

When you tour Mystic with a local, hear some of the best ones…..here’s a few tastes.

• One home was owned by a Clipper ship captain AND the Captain of a Nuclear Submarine
• Every home but one along Gravel Street (Captains Row) was lived in by a Sea Captain
• Several homes were occupied by Captains with ‘Round the Horn’ sailing records
• Oldest house in Mystic built in 1729 by Grandson of an original Mass Bay colonist
• Shallow beach in front of one house used for mid-19th Century baptisms.

Architectural styles of historic Mystic homes include Colonial (Cape), Greek Revival and Italianate.  In some cases a combination of multiple styles.   Because so many historic homes were built by experienced mariners and shipbuilders, there are a variety of interesting “ship’s features” built into many historic homes.

For a unique walking tour, food tour, historic tour or guided tour of Mystic, Stonington or Noank, please contact [email protected] the founder of Mystic Revealed.