The Kelo House

New London, CT

While not as old as some of the older historic buildings in New London, this pink house played a major role in the recent history of New London.  In 2005, in Kelo vs. The City of New London, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of New London, who wanted to buy this house and many others in the area around Fort Trumbull for economic development.  The city was declaring eminent domain and felt they had the right to do this.  The Supreme Court decision caused outrage around the country and in more than 40 states, laws were reformed and court decisions were made to protect property owners against the abuse of eminent domain.  The house was moved from the Fort Trumbull area to its present location and stands today as testament to the bravery of Susette Kelo and others who have advocated for the rights of property owners and against the abuse of eminent domain.  The ironic thing about this whole story is that even with the favorable Supreme Court ruling, and the millions of dollars the city must have paid to argue this case, there has been no economic development in area known as the Fort Trumbull neighborhood to this date.