William Gilette’s Train - East Haddam, CT
Posted by: 
chrissyml
N 41° 25.380 W 072° 25.620
18T E 715013 N 4588911
A train owned by William Gillette is on display at Gillette Castle State Park.
Waymark Code: WM16E0A
Location: Connecticut, United States
Date Posted: 07/10/2022
Views: 1
“ One of William Gillette's passions was trains. He is even noted for saying, "some folks were born with a silver spoon in their mouth; me, a locomotive". Upon creating his castle estate, Gillette had tracks laid around the property as well as two trains that he could use to bring guests around the grounds. Trestle bridges, tunnels, and more unique features still dot the estate as part of the "Railroad" hiking trails.
One engine was a steam engine and the other was a special type of electric engine. Both resided at Lake Compounce, a theme park in Bristol, Connecticut, for some time after Gillette's death. Visitors to the park could ride the train as part of their visit.
On October 5, 2007 after extensive restoration work, the electric engine was returned to the castle. The Friends of Gillette Castle was responsible for organizing the restoration after numerous fundraisers were held to raise money for the work that needed to be done.
The train is now on display for the general public within the Visitor's Center.”
Source: (
visit link)