Gillette Castle II

East Haddam, CT  2015

The Gillette Castle is open during the season for tours. On this particular day, there was quite a crowd taking part.  William Gillette designed the castle, and many of the other attractions on his estate.  Visitors to the castle can see many elaborate door knobs, locks and an intricate system of mirrors designed by Gillette to observe the public areas from the master bedroom.  The castle is constructed using local stone on a steel framework.

Gillette Castle

East Haddam, CT  2015

The American actor William Gillette built this castle high above the Connecticut River in 1914.  He had no heirs so after he died, the state took over the castle and the property making it a state park in 1943.  The castle was recently restored and the park now features a visitors center, a museum as well as some hiking trails and picnic areas.  Over 300,000 visit the castle annually.