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Historical MarkersNorwichParks

Yantic Falls / Indian Leap

By August 20, 2023September 9th, 2023No Comments

Yantic Falls, Norwich, Connecticut: 

“Yantic Falls, known as Indian Leap, was a favorite encampment of the Mohegan Indians. In 1643, Uncas, Sachem of the Mohegans, led his warriors in the famous battle against their arrival tribe the Narragansetts. During the battle, the Narragansetts were pursued by the Mohegans. Legend has it that a band of Narragansetts, unfamiliar with the territory, unknowingly reached the high treacherous escarpment of the Falls. The Narragansetts, rather than surrender, attempted to leap the chasm. Unsuccessful, they plunged to their death into the abyss below.

The Yantic Falls became the genesis for industrial development in Norwich. Industry and the use of waterpower in this area dates back to the development of a grist mill in the 1600s by John Elderkin. Industrial development continued to grow until the early 1900s. Later industries at the Falls included paper making, cotton and nails.

the improvements of the Yantic falls park I’ve been made in part through a grant by the state of Connecticut, department environmental protection, and in part by funding through the city of Norwich.

Norwich City Council

Charles Witt
Nancy DePietro
Linda Becker
Robert LaChapelle
Alan Remondi
Olive Buddington
Beverly Raymond
Harry Jackson
Sean Ryan
James Sullivan

Erected by the City of Norwich
1992″

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