Fort Saybrook Monument Park

Old Saybrook, Conn. (WTNH) - 18 acres with views of the water and wetlands, Fort Saybrook Monument Park is a beautiful spot.

"It's just a beautiful place and you can't look at a spot that doesn't have a lot of history in it," said Former Old Saybrook First Selectwoman Barbara Maynard.

Maynard showed us around this now tranquil setting. It was a staple of history around 400 years ago, first with Native Americans settling along the river and then the Dutch.

"We're a very old town -- 1635. November 24th the first people came to build the fort, they had to suffer through the first winter living on the ship."

North Cove looks much different today. This is where the third oldest colonial settlement started. An outline has been created to show the size and approximate location

"The town began to grow from this area," Maynard said. "Once the Indians calmed down they were able to go outside of the fort and grow some corn. They were able to establish themselves with help from the mother country."

Growth blossomed to the beauty still seen today.

"It began to expand outside the point down to Cromwell Place, around the point. The ship's captains built homes down there. They are still there."

Increased development brought a demand for the railroad which established service to Fenwick. Some of the rail evidence is still exists. Other areas are covered up.

"Prior to this its kind of a half worn out gravel pit because the gravel went to provide the causeway for the railroad to Fenwick."

Now a beautiful place with storyboards for a self guided tour and history lesson, the community came together back in the 1980s to secure this spot for good.

"We had the opportunity through Ellsworth Grant, pretty well known historian, to work with the state and purchase this property for one dollar.."

The dedication took place July 4th, 1985. Locals say this a learning lesson and can be a local destination.

"There's a lot to see. There's a lot to do. There are two wonderful restaurants. They can play mini golf. They can fish off the docks. There is just so much to do down here.

"It really is a destination."