History of Simsbury, Connecticut, USA

1670 - (Simsbury, CT) - This area, known to early settlers as the Windsor plantation at Massacoe, was incorporated as Simsbury in 1670.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ simsbury/

1705 - copper was discovered in Simsbury. Later, the copper mine became the infamous New-Gate Prison of the Revolutionary War.

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html

1728 - Simsbury became home to the nation’s first steel-making venture in 1728.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ simsbury/

1737 - Doctor Samuel Higley of Simsbury started the first copper coinage in America

www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ connecticut.html

1819 - Simsbury
Simsbury a post town, is situated twelve miles northwest from Hartford. Simsbury was settled in 1870; the first settlers being from Windsor, of which it then formed a part. About six years after the settlement, the inhabitants, consisting of about forty families, were so alarmed at the hostility of the Indians, that they buried their effects, and returned to Windsor. The settlement being abandoned, the Indians burned the houses which had been erected, and destroyed almost every vestige of improvement, which distinguished the infant settlement from the wilderness which surrounded it; that, when the settlers returned, they could not find the spot where they deposited their goods...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819

1825 - Nation's first carpet factory started in Simsbury in 1825

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ simsbury/

1836 - Nation's first company manufacturing safety fuses for use in blasting operations began in Simsbury.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ simsbury/

1839 - Simsbury
Simsbury, Connecticut
Hartford county. The territory of this town was formerly a part of Windsor: its Indian name was Massacoe, and was incorporated in 1670. The surface of the town is greatly diversified by hills and valleys; a range of mountains pass through the town, and there is some level and good land within its limits on Farmington river. Population, 1830, 2,221.

Tariffville, a flourishing village, is situated at the northeastern extremity of this town, on the west bank of the Farmington river, which at this place passes south, at the base of a range of mountains, which divides this part of the State from the great valley of Connecticut river. This place is a carpet manufacturing village, owned principally by a company called the "New England Carpet Company;" they employ 175 hands, and manufacture yearly about 132,000 yards of carpeting. This flourishing village is between three and four miles south of Simsbury mines, in Granby, near the New Haven and Northampton canal, and ... Read MORE...

1854 - Simsbury
Simsbury, a post-village in Hartford co., Connecticut, on the New Haven Northampton, or Canal railroad, 11 miles N. W. from Hartford. Population of the township, 2737.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Simsbury
Simsbury, sims’ber-e, a post-village in Simsbury township, Hartford co., Conn., on Farmington River, and on the Connecticut Western Railroad, at its junction with the New Haven & Northampton Railroad, 42 miles N. of New Haven. It has 2 churches and a fuse-factory. The township contains a larger village, named Tariffville. Pop. of the township, 2051.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - SIMSBURY’S DISASTROUS FIRE
Principal Buildings of the Village Destroyed in Early Morning Blaze.

LOSS ESTIMATED AT FULLY $25,000

Flames Originated in Third Story of Hotel Due to a Defective Chimney—Guests Escaped, but Fire Spread Despite Firemen’s Best Efforts to Control It.

Simsbury, Conn., June 20 — The most disastrous fire, which has visited Simsbury in many years, early today destroyed four buildings in the principal part of the village and for a time threatened the destruction of a great amount of surrounding property. Among the burned buildings was the Hot Meadow hotel, and the hardware store and warehouse owned by F. L. Welden. The loss is estimated at fully $25,000.

The fire originated in the third story of the Hot Meadow hotel about 4 o’clock this morning and is thought to have been due to a defective chimney. The flames had a good start before they were discovered, although all the guests escaped without difficulty, it being only a few minutes before the entire building was wrapped in... Read MORE...

1906
Simsbury, a post-village in Simsbury township (town), Hartford co., Conn. on the Farmington River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Central New England Rs., 42 miles N. of New Haven. It has a fuse-factory. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2094.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Simsbury:
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center:

Enjoy live music, concerts, and events in the beautiful outdoor setting of Simsbury Meadows. Check their schedule for upcoming performances.

Stratton Brook State Park:

If you love the outdoors, visit this state park for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature. There are trails suitable for various skill levels, and in the winter, you can go cross-country skiing.

Farmington Valley Arts Center:

Explore the local arts scene at the Farmington Valley Arts Center. They often have exhibitions, classes, and events featuring the work of local artists.

Simsbury Historical Society:

Discover the history of Simsbury by visiting the Simsbury Historical Society. They have interesting exhibits and guided tours that provide insights into the town's past.

Talcott Mountain State Park:

Hike to the top of Talcott Mountain for stunning views of the Farmington River Valley. The Heublein Tower at the summit adds a historical touch to the... Read MORE...