History of Lisbon, Connecticut, USA

1786 - Lisbon is incorporated
Named after Portugal’s capital city, the New London County town of Lisbon sits between the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers in a National Heritage Corridor popularly known as The Last Green Valley. The town incorporated from Norwich in 1786 and, by the 1800s, its economic base included agriculture as well as wool and silk factories.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ lisbon/

1819 - Lisbon
Lisbon is a small irregular township, situated upon the northern border of the county; at the point of land, or fork of the Quinibaug and Shetucket rivers, 7 miles from Norwich, and 45 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Windham and Canterbury, in Windham county, on the east by Griswold, on the south by Preston, and on the west by Norwich and Franklin. The form of the township is irregular, and its dimensions cannot be ascertained with accuracy; but it comprises an area of about 17 square miles. It is uneven, and considerably hilly; upon the borders of the rivers, there are small intervals, or tracts of alluvial...

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

In 1837, the Norwich-Worcester Railroad cut a tunnel through a hilly section of Lisbon along the Quinebaug River. Still in use today, the town claims it as the first railroad tunnel built in the U.S.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ lisbon/

1839 - Lisbon
Lisbon, Connecticut
New London county. This town is 7 miles from Norwich, from which it was taken in 1786. It is watered by Quinnebaug and Shetucket rivers, which unite in the S. part of the town. The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, with some alluvial meadow. This is an excellent farming town: the inhabitants are generally industrious and independent. In that part of the town called Hanover is a woolen and silk factory. Lisbon is 45 miles S.E. from Hartford. Population, 1830, 1,161.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1854 - Lisbon
Lisbon, a post-township of New London county, Connecticut, about 20 miles N. by E. from New London. It intersected by the Norwich and Worcester railroad. Pop., 937.
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.

1869 - Isaac S Geer, of Lisbon, Conn., in making some changes in a water pipe, found it needful to extend one through an under drain that ran several feet below the surface.
How to get the pipe through without taking up the drain was a problem. But Mr. Geer studied upon it, and after a while hit upon this admirable plan: He opened the lower end of the drain, and then catching an old calico cat that had been a resident of his family for several years, attached a small line to her leg; then thrusting her into the upper end, and giving a most unearthly "scat," she popped out at the other end, all covered with mud and water, with the line attached to her leg, quicker than one could say Jack Robinson. The pipe was thus drawn through, and Mr. Geer had the satisfaction of saving $10 by his wit, and teaching his neighbors a good lesson in civil engineering.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 27, 1869

1886 - He Was the Man.
Colonel Ethan Allen, of Lisbon, Conn., was at one time a guest at the Howard Hotel, corner of Broadway and Maiden lane, New York. On entering the dining-room no waiter advanced to give him a seat. The Colonel cooly walked to a table near by, and taking a chair which was turned up at the head of the table and took a seat. He was hardly in the chair before a waiter came hurried to him, saying:
"This seat is engaged."
"To whom?" asked the Colonel.
"To a gentleman," replied the waiter.
"He's come," said the Colonel, and remained at his dinner undisturbed, amid peals of laughter from the guests at the table. - Norwich Bulletin
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 2, 1886

1895 - Lisbon
Lisbon, a township of New London co., Conn. Pop. 502. It contains Newent and Blissville.
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

Peculiar Nutmeg Towns - Lisbon
There are some towns in Connecticut as well as elsewhere, which are "peculiar," and a man writing from Norwich to the New York Sun, gives the following account of one of them: "The town of Lisbon contains 548 inhabitants, according to the last census, and 137 voters. There are in the town eight school-houses and 107 school children. It contains five justices of the peace, one minister, one church, no lawyer, no doctor, no industrial work of any kind, no grocery store, no place where liquor is sold and no post-office. The town has never had a liquor license, having always voted no-license. The town is nine miles long and six miles wide. The northern part of the town receives its mail from South Canterbury, the eastern part from Jewett City, the southern part from Greeneville, and the western part from Versailles."
Springfield Daily Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
September 22, 1897

1916
Lisbon, a township (town) of New London co., Conn. Pop. in 1900, 897.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Whether you're into history, outdoor activities, or just want to relax, Lisbon and its surrounding areas have something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Lisbon Landing: A shopping center that features a mix of popular stores and restaurants. It's a great spot for some retail therapy or grabbing a bite to eat.

Mohegan Park: Located in nearby Norwich, this park offers a peaceful escape with walking trails, a pond, and beautiful greenery. Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitors Center: Learn about the rich history of the region by exploring this museum. It's housed in a beautiful historic building and showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Lebanon and the surrounding areas.

Hiking at Pachaug State Forest: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, head to Pachaug State Forest for some excellent hiking trails. It's one of the largest state forests in Connecticut and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping and fishing.

Visit the Lisbon Library: A quaint library where you can spend a quiet afternoon reading or catching up on work. Libraries often host... Read MORE...