Thames River (Connecticut)

The Thames River is a short river and tidal estuary in the U.S state of Connecticut. It flows south for 15 mi. (25 km.) through eastern Connecticut from the junction of the Yantic and Shetucket Rivers at Norwich, to New London and Groton, which flank its mouth at Long Island Sound.

While named after the River Thames that flows through New London's namesake, this Connecticut Thames is pronounced as it is spelled (rather than close to "temz" as the English one is).

The river has provided important harbors since the mid-17^th century when it was known as the Pequot River for the Pequot Indians who lived in the area. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a U.S. Navy submarine base, and the port or harbor for New London are located here.