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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Ledyard, Connecticut | name = Ledyard, Connecticut
|settlement_type = ] | official_name = Town of Ledyard
|image_skyline = | settlement_type = ]
|imagesize = | image_skyline = Sunset, Ledyard Center.JPG
|image_caption = | image_caption = Bill Library and the Ledyard Congregational Church in Ledyard Center
|image_map = US-CT-Ledyard.png | image_flag =
|mapsize = 250x200px | image_seal = LedyardCTseal.gif
| image_map = {{switcher|]| ] and Connecticut|]| ] and Connecticut|default=1}}
|map_caption = Location in Connecticut
| image_map1 = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=280|frame-height=200|frame-coord=SWITCH:{{coord|qid=Q126051}}###{{coord|qid=Q779}}###{{coord|41|26|23|N|72|00|54|W}}|zoom=SWITCH:10;6;3|type=SWITCH:shape-inverse;point;point|marker=city|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|id2=SWITCH:Q126051;Q779;Q30|type2=shape|fill2=#ffffff|fill-opacity2=SWITCH:0;0.1;0.1|stroke-width2=2|stroke-color2=#808080|stroke-opacity2=SWITCH:0;1;1|switch=Ledyard;Connecticut;the United States}}
|image_map1 =
| coordinates = {{coord|41|26|23|N|72|00|54|W|region:US-CT|display=inline,title}}
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 = | subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|United States}}
|subdivision_name = ] | subdivision_type1 = ]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Connecticut}}
|subdivision_type1 = ]
|subdivision_name1 = ] | subdivision_type2 = ]
|subdivision_type2 = ] | subdivision_name2 = ]
| subdivision_type3 = ]
|subdivision_name2 = Norwich-New London
| subdivision_name3 = ]
|subdivision_type3 = Region
| established_title = Incorporated
|subdivision_name3 = Southeastern Connecticut
|established_title = Incorporated | established_date = 1836
|established_date = 1836 | government_type = ]
|government_type = ] | leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Fred Allyn III (])<ref>{{cite web | url=http://wtnh.com/2017/11/07/2017-connecticut-municipal-election-results/ |title=2017 Connecticut Municipal Election Results|date=November 7, 2017 }}</ref>
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Fred Allyn | unit_pref = Imperial
|area_magnitude = | area_total_km2 = 103.6
|area_total_km2 = 103.6 | area_total_sq_mi = 40.0
|area_land_km2 = 98.8 | area_land_km2 = 98.8
|area_water_km2 = 4.8 | area_land_sq_mi = 38.1
|area_total_sq_mi = 40.0|unit_pref =US | area_water_km2 = 4.8
|population_as_of = 2005 | area_water_sq_mi = 1.9
|population_total = 15172 | elevation_m = 90
| elevation_ft = 295
|population_footnotes = <ref></ref>
| population_footnotes = <ref name="Census 2020"/>
|population_density_km2 = 154
| population_total = 15413
|population_density_sq_mi = 398
| population_as_of = 2020
|timezone = ]
| population_density_km2 = auto
|utc_offset = -5
|timezone_DST = ] | timezone = ]
|utc_offset_DST = -4 | utc_offset = −5
| timezone_DST = ]
|area_land_sq_mi = 38.1
|area_water_sq_mi = 1.9 | utc_offset_DST = −4
|elevation_m = 90 | postal_code_type = ]s
|elevation_ft = 295 | postal_code = 06335, 06338, 06339
| area_code = ]
|latd = 41 |latm = 26 |lats = 23 |latNS = N
| blank_name = ]
|longd = 72 |longm = 00 |longs = 54 |longEW = W
| blank_info = 09-42600
|region =
| blank1_name = ] feature ID
|postal_code_type = ZIP code
|postal_code = 06335, 06339 | blank1_info = 0213450
|website = http://www.town.ledyard.ct.us/ | website = {{URL|www.ledyardct.org}}
|area_code = ] | named_for = ]
|blank_name = ]
|blank_info = 09-42600
|blank1_name = ] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0213450
|footnotes =
}} }}
'''Ledyard''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɛ|dʒ|ɝ|d}} {{respell|LEH|jerd}}) is a ] in ], ], United States, located along the ]. The town is named after Colonel ], a ] officer who was killed at the ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Zug|first=James|title=American Traveler: The Life and Adventures of John Ledyard, the Man Who Dreamed of Walking the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xq98OA1k1u0C&pg=PA272|date=March 6, 2009|publisher=Basic Books|isbn=978-0-7867-3941-7|page=272}}</ref> The town is part of the ]. The population was 15,413 at the ].<ref name="Census 2020">{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0600000US0901142600| title=Census - Geography Profile: Ledyard town, New London County, Connecticut| publisher=]| access-date=December 17, 2021}}</ref> The ], owned and operated by the ], is located in the northeastern section of Ledyard, on ].
'''Ledyard''' is a ] in ], ], ], located along the Thames River. The population was 14,687 at the ]. The ], owned and operated by the ] Native American tribe, was located in the northeastern section of Ledyard, until the land was annexed by the tribe. Ledyard's zip code is 06339. Within the southwestern area of Ledyard is the district known as ] with ] 06335.

Ledyard's zip code is 06339. Within the southwestern area of Ledyard is the district known as ], which has the ] 06335. In the northeast is ], with the ] 06338.

==History==

Named for Colonel ], slain commander of Colonial forces in the Battle of Groton Heights in September 1781, the Town was set off from Groton in 1836 by an act of the Connecticut Legislature.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qoEyAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA332|year=1903|publisher=Connecticut Magazine Company|page=332}}</ref> The western section, on the east bank of the Thames River, had been settled in the mid-seventeenth century by Thomas Bayley, John Gager, Robert Allyn, and Robert Stoddard. The settlers were farmers and the river, their transportation.


==Geography== ==Geography==
According to the ], the town has a total area of 40.0&nbsp;square miles (103.6&nbsp;km²), of which, 38.1&nbsp;square miles (98.8&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 1.9&nbsp;square miles (4.8&nbsp;km²) of it (4.62%) is water. Ledyard is situated north of Groton, and borders the east bank of the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut. The northern half of the ] is located in the southwest corner of the town.


According to the ], the town has a total area of {{convert|40.0|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|38.1|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|1.9|sqmi|km2}}, or 4.62%, is water. Ledyard is situated north of ], and borders the east bank of the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut. The northern half of the ] is located in the southwestern corner of the town.
The principal communities of Ledyard are Ledyard Center (also known as Ledyard Village) and the Gales Ferry section (including Christy Hill Estates, Devonshire Estates, Ferry View Heights, Glenwoods, Pheasant Run, Sherwood Forest, Woodridge Estates). Other minor communities and geographic areas are: Aljen Heights, Barrett Park, Colonial Manor, Cranwood Homestead, Highlands, Lakeside, Lantern Hill, Long Pond, Parsonage Hill Manor, Presidential Estates, Quaker Town, and Stonehenge.


Ledyard is among the areas of the United States that was covered by a continental ice sheet during the ]. Therefore, Ledyard has its share of interesting glacial geology. The glaciers that covered Ledyard carried the many large boulders that are scattered around the town. The town has set aside land designated as a "Glacial Park", which consists of a section of ] and ] deposits (containing ]). This area encompasses a segment of the "Ledyard Moraine"—a ]-supported boulder deposit that is anomalous in nature. Examples of glacial erratics in Ledyard:
==Notable Residents==
<gallery mode="packed">
], first coach for Ledyard High School Baseball, now bench coach for ]
File:Glacial Erratics in Ledyard, CT.jpg
File:Glacial Erratic in Ledyard, CT.jpg
</gallery>


The principal communities of Ledyard are Ledyard Center (also known as Ledyard Village) and the Gales Ferry section (including Christy Hill Estates, Devonshire Estates, Ferry View Heights, Glenwoods, Birdland, Sherwood Forest, and Woodridge Estates). Other minor communities and geographic areas are Aljen Heights, Barrett Park, Colonial Manor, Cranwood Homestead, Highlands, Lakeside, Lantern Hill, Long Pond, Parsonage Hill Manor, Presidential Estates, Quaker Town, and Stonehenge. The town also contains the ], in the northeastern corner of the town.
], Bishop

==Notable people==
<!-- DO NOT add people here unless they already have a Misplaced Pages article, which includes cites that establish their connection to Ledyard; keep list in alphabetical order by surname-->

* ] (1822–1918), industrialist born in Ledyard
* ] (born 1947), Admiral, USN retired; Director National Intelligence Agency; lived in Ledyard
* ] (born 1965), actor/comedian, grew up in Ledyard
* ] (born 1967), ] and co-creator of '']'', born in Ledyard<ref name="50 Questions">{{cite web |last=Hammer |first=Doc |title=50 Questions (from MySpace) |date=May 16, 2005 |publisher=] |url=http://doc-hammer.deviantart.com/journal/5376853/ |access-date=December 7, 2010}}</ref>
* ] (born 1947), Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe for twenty-three years, worked in Ledyard
* ] (born 1959), men's college basketball coach born in Ledyard
* ] (1842-1931), First Lady of Iowa
* ] (born 1977), bassist for ], grew up in Ledyard
* ] (born 1981), filmmaker, grew up in Ledyard
* ] (1947–2017), US Assistant Secretary of the Navy, grew up in Ledyard
* ] (1910–1990), ] artist, lived most of his life in town
* ] (1729–1796), Second Presiding Bishop of the ], born in Ledyard
* ] (1945–2009), member of ], lived in Ledyard


==Demographics== ==Demographics==

As of the ]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 14,687 people, 5,286 households, and 4,101 families residing in the town. The ] was 385.1 people per square mile (148.7/km²). There were 5,486 housing units at an average density of 143.8/sq&nbsp;mi (55.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was:
{{See also|List of Connecticut locations by per capita income}}
{{US Census population
|1840= 1871
|1850= 1558
|1860= 1615
|1870= 1392
|1880= 1373
|1890= 1183
|1900= 1236
|1910= 1079
|1920= 1161
|1930= 1144
|1940= 1426
|1950= 1749
|1960= 5395
|1970= 14837
|1980= 13735
|1990= 14913
|2000= 14687
|2010= 15051
|2020= 15413
|footnote=Population 1840 - 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sots.ct.gov/RegisterManual/SectionVII/SecVIITOC.htm |title=Section VII-Local Government |access-date=March 9, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216021023/http://www.sots.ct.gov/RegisterManual/SectionVII/SecVIITOC.htm |archive-date=February 16, 2008 }} Accessed April 21, 2010.</ref><br>Population 2010<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Ledyard town, New London County, Connecticut| publisher=]| access-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref>
}}

As of the ]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 14,687 people, 5,286 households, and 4,101 families residing in the town. The population density was {{convert|385.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 5,486 housing units at an average density of {{convert|143.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the town was:
*88.23% ] *88.23% ]
*3.51% ] *3.51% ]
Line 78: Line 124:
*2.66% from two or more races *2.66% from two or more races


There were 5,286 households out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were ] living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.12. There were 5,286 households, out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were ] living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.12.


The ages of Ledyard's population were spread out with: The ages of Ledyard's population were spread out, with:
*28.3% under 18 *28.3% under 18
*6.3% from 18 to 24 *6.3% from 18 to 24
Line 87: Line 133:
*9.0% from 65 years of age or older. *9.0% from 65 years of age or older.


The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.


The median income for a household in the town was $62,647, and the median income for a family was $69,214. Males had a median income of $46,582 versus $32,339 for females. The ] for the town was $24,953. About 2.9% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the ], including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over. The median income for a household in the town was $62,647, and the median income for a family was $69,214. Males had a median income of $46,582 versus $32,339 for females. The ] for the town was $24,953. About 2.9% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the ], including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.


{| class=wikitable {| class=wikitable
! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005<ref>{{cite web|title = Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005 | publisher = Connecticut Secretary of State | format = PDF | accessdate = 2006-10-02 | url = http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/lists/2005OctRegEnrollStats.pdf}}</ref> ! colspan = 6 | Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005<ref>{{cite web|title=Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005 |publisher=Connecticut Secretary of State |access-date=October 2, 2006 |url=http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/lists/2005OctRegEnrollStats.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060923151511/http://www.sots.ct.gov/ElectionsServices/lists/2005OctRegEnrollStats.pdf |archive-date=September 23, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|- |-
! colspan = 2 | Party ! colspan = 2 | Party
! Active Voters ! Active Voters
! Inactive Voters ! Inactive Voters
! Total Voters ! Total Voters
! Percentage ! Percentage
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Republican/row}}
| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
| ] | ]
| align = center | 2,350 | align = center | 2,350
Line 105: Line 152:
| align = center | 2,454 | align = center | 2,454
| align = center | 27.07% | align = center | 27.07%
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Democratic/row}}
| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
| ] | ]
| align = center | 1,879 | align = center | 1,879
Line 111: Line 159:
| align = center | 1,964 | align = center | 1,964
| align = center | 21.66% | align = center | 21.66%
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Independent/row}}
| {{party color cell|Independent Party (United States)}}
| Unaffiliated
| ]
| align = center | 4,404 | align = center | 4,404
| align = center | 245 | align = center | 245
| align = center | 4,649 | align = center | 4,649
| align = center | 51.27% | align = center | 51.27%
|-
{{American politics/party colours/Libertarian/row}}
| {{party color cell|Libertarian Party (United States)}}
| Minor Parties
| ]
| align = center | 0 | align = center | 0
| align = center | 0 | align = center | 0
Line 132: Line 182:


==Schools== ==Schools==
Ledyard has four elementary schools, a middle school and a high school.


]
Elementary Schools:
Ledyard has three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. The superintendent of schools is Jason Hartling. The assistant superintendent of schools is Dr. Jennifer Byars, who previously served as principal and assistant principal of many of the town's schools. The superintendent is appointed by the board of education.

Elementary schools:
*Gales Ferry School (Grades K through 2) *Gales Ferry School (Grades K through 2)
*Gallup Hill School (Grades K through 6) *Gallup Hill School (Grades K through 5)
*Juliet W. Long School (Grades 3 through 6) *Juliet W. Long School (Grades 3 through 5)
*Ledyard Center School (Grades K through 6)


Middle School: Middle school:
*Ledyard Middle School (Grades 7 & 8) *Ledyard Middle School (Grades 6, 7 & 8)


High School: High school:
*Ledyard High School (Grades 9 through 12) *] (Grades 9 through 12)

Former schools:
*Ledyard Center School (Closed in 2019)

== Government and emergency services ==

The Town of Ledyard is governed by the ] form of government. The mayor is elected by registered voters and serves as the town's full-time administrator and chief executive; elected mayors serve for a term of 4 years and there are no term-limits. The mayor, with advice from the town council and voters appoints officials to positions such as: Town Clerk, Town Attorney, Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, and many of the other administrative positions. The town council has the power to appoint officials to boards and commissions, as fire marshals and town clerks. Registered voters also elect the members of the board of education.

=== Police ===

The Town of Ledyard operates an independent police force, administered by Chief of Police John Rich. The town previously had provided police services through the Resident State Trooper Program. The department employs 22 highly trained personnel, including the chief, an administrative assistant, and one detective.

The Town of Ledyard Police Department is also tasked with operating the Ledyard Animal Control Division and the Ledyard Emergency Communications Center. The LECC has 7 full-time 911 Dispatchers and provides 911 service to both the Town of Ledyard and the Town of Preston.

=== Fire and EMS service ===

There are two fire departments in the Town of Ledyard. They are the Ledyard Fire Company and the Gales Ferry Fire Company. Both departments rely on volunteers for staffing, along with paid firefighters that staff both departments Monday thru Friday. EMS service is the responsibility of American Ambulance Service, Inc. American Ambulance took over EMS service on July 1, 2018, following the disbanding of the Ledyard Volunteer Emergency Squad. American Ambulance houses 1 ambulance within the Town of Ledyard, which is staffed 24 hours a day.


==Employers== ==Employers==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
| align="center" colspan="2" | '''Historical<br> population of<br> Ledyard'''
|-
|1840 || 1,871
|-
|1850 || 1,558
|-
|1860 || 1,615
|-
|1870 || 1,392
|-
|1880 || 1,373
|-
|1890 || 1,183
|-
|1900 || 1,236
|-
|1910 || 1,079
|-
|1920 || 1,161
|-
|1930 || 1,144
|-
|1940 || 1,426
|-
|1950 || 1,749
|-
|1960 || 5,395
|-
|1970 || 14,837
|-
|1980 || 13,735
|-
|1990 || 14,913
|-
|2000 || 14,687
|}


The ], located immediately south of Ledyard in Groton, is a significant employer of Ledyard residents. Other major employers include ], ], and ]. The ], located immediately south of Ledyard in Groton, is a significant employer of Ledyard residents. Other major employers include ], ], and ].


==Background== ==Media==
The town of Ledyard is named after Colonel ], a ] soldier who was killed with his own ] after surrendering to the British at the end of the ].
==Trivia==
Ledyard is among the areas of the United States that was covered by a continental ice sheet during the last ]. Therefore, Ledyard has its share of interesting glacial geology. The glaciers that covered Ledyard carried the many large boulders that litter the town and most of northern United States. The town has set aside land designated as a 'Glacial Park' which consists of a section of end moraine and outwash deposits (containing kettles). This area encompasses a segment of the 'Ledyard Moraine,'--a clast-supported boulder deposit that is anamolous in nature.


===Television===
Also, Ledyard was featured on an episode of the ] show, ], in which Katherine, a shy, book-loving teenager, is made into Miss Congeniality in her town's beauty pageant for Miss Ledyard Fair.


Ledyard was featured on an episode of the ] show '']'', in which Katherine, a shy, book-loving teenager, is made into Miss Congeniality in her town's beauty pageant for Miss Ledyard Fair.{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}
Ledyard is also stereotyped as a "]" , the legacy of the remaining few, large, scattered farms which used to pervade throughout the region's early agricultural history, the majority of which have given way to development.


==Points of interest==
It is also known as home to ].

*] on the Thames River

===National Register of Historic Places===

* ] – founded in 1826, it was listed on the NRHP in 1987.
* ] – built in 1818, it was added to the NRHP in 1982.
* ] – built in 1793, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
* ] – built in 1869, it was added to the NRHP in 1972.
* ] – added to the NRHP and declared a ] in 1993.
* ] – built in 1781, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
* ] – built in 1770, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
]
{{Clear}}

== See also ==

{{Portal|Connecticut}}
*]


==References== ==References==

<references/>
{{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==

{{Connecticut portal}}
{{Commons category}}
*
* {{wikivoyage inline|Ledyard (Connecticut)|Ledyard, Connecticut}}
*
* *
* *

*
{{Connecticut}} {{Connecticut}}
{{New London County, Connecticut}} {{New London County, Connecticut}}
{{Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut}}


{{authority control}}
]
]


] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 12:26, 14 December 2024

Town in Connecticut, United States
Ledyard, Connecticut
Town
Town of Ledyard
Bill Library and the Ledyard Congregational Church in Ledyard CenterBill Library and the Ledyard Congregational Church in Ledyard Center
Official seal of Ledyard, ConnecticutSeal
Ledyard's location within New London County and Connecticut New London County and ConnecticutLedyard's location within the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region and the state of Connecticut Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region and Connecticut
Show LedyardShow ConnecticutShow the United States
Coordinates: 41°26′23″N 72°00′54″W / 41.43972°N 72.01500°W / 41.43972; -72.01500
Country United States
U.S. state Connecticut
CountyNew London
RegionSoutheastern CT
Incorporated1836
Named forWilliam Ledyard
Government
 • TypeMayor-council
 • MayorFred Allyn III (R)
Area
 • Total40.0 sq mi (103.6 km)
 • Land38.1 sq mi (98.8 km)
 • Water1.9 sq mi (4.8 km)
Elevation295 ft (90 m)
Population
 • Total15,413
 • Density390/sq mi (150/km)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Codes06335, 06338, 06339
Area code(s)860/959
FIPS code09-42600
GNIS feature ID0213450
Websitewww.ledyardct.org

Ledyard (/ˈlɛdʒɜːrd/ LEH-jerd) is a Town in New London County, Connecticut, United States, located along the Thames River. The town is named after Colonel William Ledyard, a Revolutionary War officer who was killed at the Battle of Groton Heights. The town is part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. The population was 15,413 at the 2020 census. The Foxwoods Resort Casino, owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, is located in the northeastern section of Ledyard, on the reservation owned by the tribe.

Ledyard's zip code is 06339. Within the southwestern area of Ledyard is the district known as Gales Ferry, which has the postal code 06335. In the northeast is Mashantucket, with the postal code 06338.

History

Named for Colonel William Ledyard, slain commander of Colonial forces in the Battle of Groton Heights in September 1781, the Town was set off from Groton in 1836 by an act of the Connecticut Legislature. The western section, on the east bank of the Thames River, had been settled in the mid-seventeenth century by Thomas Bayley, John Gager, Robert Allyn, and Robert Stoddard. The settlers were farmers and the river, their transportation.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.0 square miles (104 km), of which 38.1 square miles (99 km) is land and 1.9 square miles (4.9 km), or 4.62%, is water. Ledyard is situated north of Groton, and borders the east bank of the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut. The northern half of the Naval Submarine Base New London is located in the southwestern corner of the town.

Ledyard is among the areas of the United States that was covered by a continental ice sheet during the last ice age. Therefore, Ledyard has its share of interesting glacial geology. The glaciers that covered Ledyard carried the many large boulders that are scattered around the town. The town has set aside land designated as a "Glacial Park", which consists of a section of end moraine and outwash deposits (containing kettles). This area encompasses a segment of the "Ledyard Moraine"—a clast-supported boulder deposit that is anomalous in nature. Examples of glacial erratics in Ledyard:

The principal communities of Ledyard are Ledyard Center (also known as Ledyard Village) and the Gales Ferry section (including Christy Hill Estates, Devonshire Estates, Ferry View Heights, Glenwoods, Birdland, Sherwood Forest, and Woodridge Estates). Other minor communities and geographic areas are Aljen Heights, Barrett Park, Colonial Manor, Cranwood Homestead, Highlands, Lakeside, Lantern Hill, Long Pond, Parsonage Hill Manor, Presidential Estates, Quaker Town, and Stonehenge. The town also contains the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation, in the northeastern corner of the town.

Notable people

Demographics

See also: List of Connecticut locations by per capita income
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18401,871—
18501,558−16.7%
18601,6153.7%
18701,392−13.8%
18801,373−1.4%
18901,183−13.8%
19001,2364.5%
19101,079−12.7%
19201,1617.6%
19301,144−1.5%
19401,42624.7%
19501,74922.7%
19605,395208.5%
197014,837175.0%
198013,735−7.4%
199014,9138.6%
200014,687−1.5%
201015,0512.5%
202015,4132.4%
Population 1840 - 2000
Population 2010

As of the census of 2000, there were 14,687 people, 5,286 households, and 4,101 families residing in the town. The population density was 385.1 inhabitants per square mile (148.7/km). There were 5,486 housing units at an average density of 143.8 per square mile (55.5/km). The racial makeup of the town was:

There were 5,286 households, out of which 39.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.12.

The ages of Ledyard's population were spread out, with:

  • 28.3% under 18
  • 6.3% from 18 to 24
  • 31.0% from 25 to 44
  • 25.4% from 45 to 64
  • 9.0% from 65 years of age or older.

The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $62,647, and the median income for a family was $69,214. Males had a median income of $46,582 versus $32,339 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,953. About 2.9% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.

Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of October 25, 2005
Party Active Voters Inactive Voters Total Voters Percentage
Republican 2,350 104 2,454 27.07%
Democratic 1,879 85 1,964 21.66%
Unaffiliated 4,404 245 4,649 51.27%
Libertarian 0 0 0 0.0%
Total 8,633 434 9,067 100%

Schools

Ledyard High School in 2014

Ledyard has three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. The superintendent of schools is Jason Hartling. The assistant superintendent of schools is Dr. Jennifer Byars, who previously served as principal and assistant principal of many of the town's schools. The superintendent is appointed by the board of education.

Elementary schools:

  • Gales Ferry School (Grades K through 2)
  • Gallup Hill School (Grades K through 5)
  • Juliet W. Long School (Grades 3 through 5)

Middle school:

  • Ledyard Middle School (Grades 6, 7 & 8)

High school:

Former schools:

  • Ledyard Center School (Closed in 2019)

Government and emergency services

The Town of Ledyard is governed by the mayor–council form of government. The mayor is elected by registered voters and serves as the town's full-time administrator and chief executive; elected mayors serve for a term of 4 years and there are no term-limits. The mayor, with advice from the town council and voters appoints officials to positions such as: Town Clerk, Town Attorney, Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, and many of the other administrative positions. The town council has the power to appoint officials to boards and commissions, as fire marshals and town clerks. Registered voters also elect the members of the board of education.

Police

The Town of Ledyard operates an independent police force, administered by Chief of Police John Rich. The town previously had provided police services through the Resident State Trooper Program. The department employs 22 highly trained personnel, including the chief, an administrative assistant, and one detective.

The Town of Ledyard Police Department is also tasked with operating the Ledyard Animal Control Division and the Ledyard Emergency Communications Center. The LECC has 7 full-time 911 Dispatchers and provides 911 service to both the Town of Ledyard and the Town of Preston.

Fire and EMS service

There are two fire departments in the Town of Ledyard. They are the Ledyard Fire Company and the Gales Ferry Fire Company. Both departments rely on volunteers for staffing, along with paid firefighters that staff both departments Monday thru Friday. EMS service is the responsibility of American Ambulance Service, Inc. American Ambulance took over EMS service on July 1, 2018, following the disbanding of the Ledyard Volunteer Emergency Squad. American Ambulance houses 1 ambulance within the Town of Ledyard, which is staffed 24 hours a day.

Employers

The Naval Submarine Base New London, located immediately south of Ledyard in Groton, is a significant employer of Ledyard residents. Other major employers include Foxwoods Resort Casino, Electric Boat, and Pfizer.

Media

Television

Ledyard was featured on an episode of the MTV show MADE, in which Katherine, a shy, book-loving teenager, is made into Miss Congeniality in her town's beauty pageant for Miss Ledyard Fair.

Points of interest

National Register of Historic Places

Panorama of Ledyard Center, including the fire department, town hall, Ledyard Center School, and Ledyard Congregational Church plus several businesses

See also

References

  1. "2017 Connecticut Municipal Election Results". November 7, 2017.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Ledyard town, New London County, Connecticut". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  3. Zug, James (March 6, 2009). American Traveler: The Life and Adventures of John Ledyard, the Man Who Dreamed of Walking the World. Basic Books. p. 272. ISBN 978-0-7867-3941-7.
  4. The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly. Connecticut Magazine Company. 1903. p. 332.
  5. Hammer, Doc (May 16, 2005). "50 Questions (from MySpace)". DeviantArt. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
  6. "Section VII-Local Government". Archived from the original on February 16, 2008. Retrieved March 9, 2007. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  7. "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Ledyard town, New London County, Connecticut". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  8. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  9. "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005" (PDF). Connecticut Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2006. Retrieved October 2, 2006.

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