Gillette Castle State Park is a gorgeous state park, with an even more beautiful stone castle nestled atop a hill. The stone castle and its history show the attention to detail, craftsmanship, and value of the land.
The trails spanning the park network vary in difficulty and views. This park features a purple blaze trail, the train trail where the old railroad used to operate. Benches and picnic tables are sprinkled along the trails. At the eastern end of the trails is a picturesque view of the Connecticut River. At the southern tip, is a spot for paddling along the River.
Atop the most southerly hill in a chain known as the Seven Sisters, William Hooker Gillette, noted actor, director, and playwright, built his one hundred and twenty two-acre estate, the Seventh Sister. The focal point of his effort was a twenty-four room mansion reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Purchased by the State of Connecticut in 1943 from the executors of Gillette's will, Gillette Castle and the adjoining property with its fine woodlands, trails, and vistas are now administered for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Gillette designed the castle and most of its contents personally, periodically checking every phase of their construction. Built of local fieldstone supported by a steel framework, it took twenty men five years (1914-1919), to complete the main structure. Gillette began his semi-retirement in his new home; and in the following years, he supervised the many thousands of refinements created by local craftsmen.
The woodwork within the castle is hand-hewn southern white oak. Of the forty-seven doors within the structure, there are no two exactly the same. And each door has a handsome external latch intricately carved of wood. Even the Castle's furnishings are indications of Gillette's inspiration. The built-in couches, a movable table on tracks, and light switches of carved wood all point to his creative genius.
Outside on the grounds, Gillette's influence is no less in evidence. The trails often follow, over trestle and through tunnel, the actor's three-mile-long narrow gauge railroad. Gillette's own walking paths were constructed with near-vertical steps, stone-arch bridges, and wooded trestles spanning up to forty feet. Other outdoor attractions include a vegetable cellar, the railroad station (Grand Central), and Gillette's goldfish pond.
Gillette was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1853, the son of former U.S. Senator Francis Gillette and his wife Elizabeth Daggett Hooker Gillette, a descendent of Thomas Hooker, the founder of Hartford. As a child, Gillette was captivated with the stage and acting pursuits, an interest that his parents did not encourage. At age thirteen, he reputedly had built a small stage and amused himself by frequently giving puppet shows for his friends. At age twenty, he left home to follow his chosen career; but success was slow in developing. He attended classes at numerous colleges but never received a degree.
His first recognition as an actor was attained when the lead became ill in "Broken Hearts" at the Globe Theater in Boston, and Gillette's stand-in performance was well received. This led to other and better roles for Gillette. He is most famous for writing and starring in the first authorized stage adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes". Besides his activities as an actor and playwright, Gillette is known to have written two novels, invented many trick stage props and lighting techniques, and often produced and directed the plays in which he appeared. After his semi-retirement in 1910, Gillette was welcomed by theatergoers countless times during his four revival tours. His last performance was at the Bushnell in Hartford in 1936, the year before his death.
Gillette Castle is a Viewpoint Exhibit Host Site. Outdoor exhibits reproduce works of art painted in the 19th Century, with information about the artist and the location. Visit the Connecticut Art Trail website for a preview, and look for the Viewpoint exhibits on your next visit to the Chester-Hadlyme ferry landing area of Gillette Castle State Park and other host sites.
This property was acquired and/or developed with the assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
Route 9 to Exit 10 and follow Route 82 to cross the Connecticut River via the Goodspeed Bridge. Follow route 82 East which includes a right turn at Two Wrasslin Cats. Take a right onto River Road and follow the park signs.
Route 9 to Exit 8. Follow Route 148 (Water Street) to the ferry. The ferry operates April 1- November 30 and costs $5 for vehicles during the week and $6 on the weekends. On the east side of the river, take Ferry Road to River Road and follow signs to the park.
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