Norwich, Connecticut - Greeneville Section

The Greeneville section of Norwich Connecticut was named by William Greene. In 1826, Greene purchased land on both sides of the Shetucket River to develop. In 1828, he transferred the land to the Norwich Water Power Company, where he was the largest shareholder. Norwich Water Power Company began construction on a dam in 1829. By 1833, the dam and canals were finished and capable of providing hydro-electric power to 40-50 thousand spindles. Mills were quickly built along the Shetucket River during the mid-1800s to take advantage of this water-power. The remains of the original dam may still be seen upstream of the present dam.

Greeneville was originally a settled by Irish immigrants who estabilished St. Mary's Church in 1845, making it the oldest Catholic church in Eastern Connecticut. The original structure still exists as

A.P. Savage Supply of Norwich LLC Hardware Store.

The current church, completed in 1867, is located on Central Avenue. While originally Irish, it now also serves growing Hispanic and Hatian populations, offering regular Spanish and Creole Masses.

The Greeneville Dam Fishing Area provides fishing and boating access to the Shetucket River at the site of Norwich Public Utilities operated hydroelectric dam and fish ladder. There is a canoe/kayak put-in within a 200 yard portage from the parking area. Norwich Public Utilities offers tours of its Greeneville Dam Fish Lift starting the last week of April and running through the month of May.

Greeneville Dam, accessed off 8th Street, is located on Roosevelt Avenue. Routes leading to the dam are posted with the brown and white Long Island Sound Access sign or you may go to the Connecticut Coastal Access Guide for directions and details.