Fizgig

✎ 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 of the Great Plains against their rival tribe the Narragansetts from neighboring Rhode Island. 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 deaths into the abyss below.

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

The whole area is now known as the Yantic Falls Historic District. The district, consisting of 11 buildings, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 18, 1972. Most of the buildings are now used as condo & apartment buildings.

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