Westerly To Pawcatuck In The 1800s

The Pawcatuck River bisects two states but it is also the lifeline of Pawcatuck and Westerly, connecting the two communities. In this vintage photograph from the 1800s the photographer likely stood on the Westerly side of the river photographing the Pawcatuck side.

Provided by the Mystic Seaport and the Connecticut Historical Society this week’s photograph is titled “Looking northwest across the Broad Street bridge toward Pawcatuck.” In the photograph the buildings have snow-covered roofs and the river looks incredibly clam.

The Connecticut Historical Society and the Mystic Seaport believe professional photographer Everett Scholfield took the photograph but are unclear when. They estimate the photograph was taken sometime between 1865 and 1884.

Just as at it did over 100 years ago the Pawcatuck River continues to serve as a vital part of the two communities with commercial buildings still crowded near the river.