Hammonasset Beach State Park has a rich history. Hammonasset has an interesting meaning, it means "where we dig holes in the ground". The reference for this comes from the place where woodland Native Americans used to farm along the Hammonasset River. A couple hundred years later, in the late 19th century, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a shooting range for their new rifles. Be apprised that dogs must be kept on a leash while in the park.