East Haddam was part of an original purchase from the Indians in 1662 for thirty coats, about $100, and included Machimoodus, “the place of noises,” named for subterranean sounds formerly heard there. The layout of highways began in 1669, the first settlement was along Creek Row in 1685, and ferry service across the Connecticut River began in 1695 and ended with the completion of the swing bridge in 1913. The first Ecclesiastical Society was formed in 1704. From the earliest settlement, many streams provided water power for mills, and shipbuilding and the manufacture of cotton goods flourished and declined here during the two centuries before the steamboat era ended in the 1930’s. The militia served in three wars, with notable contributions during the Revolution. Areas of town are known as Millington, Hadlyme, North Plains, Leesville, Johnsonville, Moodus, Little Haddam, and the East Haddam Landings. Settlers of East Haddam from 1685 to 1699 included Nicholas Ackley, John Bates, John Booge, Daniel Brainard, Jr., John Chapman, Daniel Cone, George Gates, Thomas Hungerford, Samuel and William Spencer, and Abraham and John Willey. Notable East Haddamites included the Reverend Stephen Hosmer, first minister; Joseph Spencer, major general in the Revolution; Epaphroditus Champion, Commissary General; Nathan Hale, teacher, patriot, and martyr; Dyar Throop, first Judge of County Court; Jonathan O. Moseley, U.S. Representative; William H. Goodspeed, shipbuilder; William E. Nichols, inventor and manufacturer; Luther Boardman, silver plating and britannia; Morgan G. Bulkeley, Governor and U.S. Senator; and Francis H. Parker, local historian.