More Than a Seafood Restaurant.
A New London Legacy.
Our story
Captain Scott's takes its name from Captain Thomas A. Scott, a renowned mariner, diver, salvager, and community leader whose impact on New London can still be felt today.
Born in 1830, Captain Scott built a reputation for courage and service on the water. He led the construction of Race Rock Lighthouse, operated a successful marine salvage company, and became known throughout the region for helping others in times of need.
More than a century later, his descendants brought the family name back to the waterfront at Shaw's Cove, where Captain Scott's continues the tradition of hard work, hospitality, and a deep connection to the sea.
the man behind the name
Captain Thomas A. Scott was more than a captain—he was a builder, salvager, entrepreneur, and local legend.
After moving to New London in 1871, Scott founded a thriving marine salvage and construction company that operated a fleet of tugboats. He played a key role in the construction of Race Rock Lighthouse, one of New England's most challenging maritime engineering projects.
Stories of his bravery became part of local history. During a ferry disaster on the Hudson River, Scott reportedly used his own body to help slow flooding while passengers were brought to safety. On another occasion, he and his crew prevented a schooner from crashing into the Race Rock Lighthouse foundation during rough seas.
His reputation for helping others extended beyond the water. He was known for supporting local families and giving back to the community throughout his life.
five generations later
Nearly a century after Captain Scott's passing, his descendants returned to New London's waterfront to continue the family connection to the sea.
In the late 1990s, siblings Tom, Scott, and Susan Eshenfelder established T.A. Scott Fisheries at Shaw's Cove, bringing the Scott family name back to the harbor where their great-great-grandfather built his legacy.
What began as a lobster operation evolved into what is now Captain Scott's Lobster Dock—a beloved seasonal destination where locals and visitors gather for fresh seafood, waterfront views, and a taste of New London's maritime heritage.
