Essex was originally known as the Potapoug Quarter of the Saybrook Colony. In 1852, Essex was incorporated from Saybrook, known then as Old Saybrook. In 1854 Essex became the official name of the town, in 1859 the Centerbrook area was added. As of 2001, Essex has a population of 6,557 and covers approximately 10.37 square miles.

The importance of the Essex Village grew with the shipping and ship construction industries. The Oliver Cromwell, Connecticut's first battleship, was constructed in 1775. Essex built more than 500 vessels between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

East Haddam is located between Portland and Essex on the banks of the Conncecticut River near Long Island Sound. East Haddam village area contains both the Upper Landing which runs along Main Street and the Lower Landing located near the Goodspeed Opera House.

Ferry tolls were collected at the Counting House in the Upper Landing area. William Henry Goodspeed was a successful business with many thriving businesses. He is best known for the Goodspeed Opera House, which is still operating today offering nationally acclaimed musicals.

A few of the points of interest in both Essex and East Haddam:

Gillette Castle State Park - William Gillette began construction on the castle in 1914 and completed in 1919. He modeled the building after the Normandy fortress of Robert LeDiable, father of William the Conqueror. Gillette is a Hartford native, best know as the original Sherlock Holmes The grounds include hiking trails, picnic facilities and fishing areas.

Allegra farm horsedrawn carriage and sleigh museum - An authentic, working 19th century livery stable. Featuring a coach house complete with antique carriages. The farm hosts a wide variety of carriage and draft horses. Pony rides, country carriage rides, hayrides and sleigh rides are available.

Gelston House - Built by Jabez Chapman in 1736, the Gelston House was originally named "The River Slide Inn". According to town records, The River Slide Inn was originally owned and operated by Mr. Chapman. In 1776 Mr. Gelston purchased the inn and the Gelston family maintained the property until 1825 when they sold it to Joseph Goodspeed. In 1853, a number of East Haddam residents formed the Gelston Hotel Company and purchased the inn. George Gelston, son of the former proprietor, was the head of the corporation. The Gelston House is still in operation today offering a restaurant, tavern and guestrooms.

The Pratt House Museum - Domestic and agricultural life of early Essex are displayed. The Pratt House is one of the town's oldest houses, containing furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries, iron work from the former Pratt ironsmith, and an authentically restored herb garden.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride - A 2 1/2 hour ride by rail in restored vintage cars to the boat landing then by water on board a multi-deck replica steamboat through the natural beauty of the Connecticut River Valley.