Destination List > Gillette Castle State Park

Gillette Castle State Park

Photo by Joe Mabel

The history...

Gillette Castle State Park is located in East Haddam, Connecticut. The park is named after the famous actor William Gillette, who built the castle in the early 20th century.

William Gillette was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. He was very successful and decided to use his earnings to build a special home. In 1914, he bought a piece of land overlooking the Connecticut River and began constructing his dream home, which he called the Seventh Sister.

The castle, now known as Gillette Castle, was completed in 1919. It looks like a medieval fortress, with stone walls and towers, but it has many modern features inside. Gillette designed the castle himself and included many unique details. For example, he created intricate wooden door latches, built secret doors, and installed mirrors to watch guests arrive.

Gillette lived in the castle until his death in 1937. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family there, and the castle became well-known for its quirky design and beautiful views.

After Gillette's death, the state of Connecticut purchased the property in 1943 and turned it into a state park. The park covers 184 acres and includes the castle, beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can tour the castle to see Gillette's unique designs and learn about his life and work.

Source ChatGPT