Hoxie, Let’s Dive into the History Behind the Name!

The name Hoxie may confuse some out-of-towners, so we’re here to clear up the mystery behind the name of our highly sought-after building!

The Whaler’s Inn, situated in Mystic, Connecticut, consists of five buildings: the Main Inn, Stonington House, Noank House, 1865 House, and the Hoxie House.

While the other buildings are self-explanatory, the Hoxie House may leave non-natives puzzled.

Where does the name Hoxie come from?

The Hoxie name is associated with landmarks like the scenic overlook off I-95 north, downtown’s B.F. Hoxie Engine Co Fire Department, and the upcoming river park and boathouse adjacent to the Mystic Seaport Museum. One may wonder who the Hoxie Family is.

Digging into the Origins of Hoxie

Digging into the Origins of Hoxie House reveals a rich history for Mystic and all of New England. In 1650, Lodwick Hawksie settled in Sandwich, MA, and eventually shortened his last name to Hoxie.

Benjamin Franklin Hoxie, the individual who lent his name to the building on The Whaler’s Inn property, was passionate about Mystic and continuously strived to help it flourish.

Who was Hoxie?

Hoxie was responsible for forming the downtown fire department and owning several successful businesses. He passed away at the ripe old age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Today, The Whaler’s Inn is honored to keep that legacy alive in present-day Mystic.

Benjamin Franklin Hoxie is the man behind the name of the building on The Whaler’s Inn property. He grew up in Shamrock, RI, before moving to Westerly, where he worked at a family member’s store. Hoxie was fascinated by the lumber business and eventually moved to Mystic, where he teamed up with Joseph Cottrell and George W. Ashbey, a local shipper.

After a short time in California, Hoxie returned to Mystic and joined Maxon, Fish, & Co. in shipbuilding. They crafted schooners and brigs for the coasting trade. After selling his shares in the company, Hoxie constructed the Washington Hall building. It was a success, so he built the Hoxie House in 1861. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire in 1975.

Today, the Hoxie House sits in the same spot as part of The Whaler’s Inn, complete with modern luxury amenities. B.F. Hoxie was a forefather of Mystic, forming the downtown fire department and owning several successful businesses.

He was passionate about the town and continuously worked to help it prosper. Hoxie passed away at 89 years old, but his legacy lives on.

He dreamed of the Hoxie Hotel being a luxurious destination that would attract an upscale clientele and help transform Mystic into a summer resort. The Whaler’s Inn is honored to keep that legacy alive in the present day.