History of Redding, Connecticut, USA

1767 - Incorporated from Fairfield in 1767, the original name of the town was Reading, after John Read.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ redding/

1819 - Reading
Reading, an interior, central post township, is situated 60 miles southwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Danbury, on the east by Newtown and Weston, on the south by Weston, and on the west by Ridgefield. Its average length from east to west is nearly 6 and a half miles, and its mean breadth from north to south about 5 miles; comprising an area of about 32 square miles...
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

1839 - Reading
Reading, Connecticut
Fairfield county. This town was incorporated in 1767, and derived its name from Col. John Read, one of its first settlers. The soil of the town is good but the surface is rough and hilly. The business of the people is chiefly agricultural, who live scattered about on their farms. Considerable attention is paid in Reading to the growing of wool. It lies 15 miles N.W. from Bridgeport, 60 S.W. from Hartford, and 9 S. from Danbury. Population, 1830, 1,686. It is watered by Saugatuck and Norwalk rivers.

Joel Barlow, L.L. D., was born in this town, 1755. He died in Poland, 1812.

America has produced few men, more justly deserving of immortality than Barlow; and none, it is believed, who have made their title to it more sure. He lived in an eventful period, and acted a conspicuous part in both hemispheres; and as a poet, a man of science, a politician, a philosopher, and a philanthropist, his name will long be revered by the friends of civil liberty, and of... Read MORE...

1844 - Reading, CT was officially changed to Redding in 1844 by the United States Postal Service.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ redding/

1854 - Redding
Redding, a post-office of Fairfield co., Conn.
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 - Redding
Redding, a post-village of Fairfield co, Conn. in Redding township, about 11 miles N.W. of Bridgeport. It is on the Saugatuck River, 4 miles E. of Redding Stati" which is 63 miles by rail S. of Danbury. It has 2 churches. The township contains the hamlet of West Redding, at Redding Station. Pop. in 1890, 1546.
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

1906
Redding, a post-village of Fairfield co., Conn., in Redding township (town), about 14 miles NW. of Bridgeport, on the Saugatuck River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1426.
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

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for something new to explore or a visitor seeking a taste of the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Redding:
Putnam Memorial State Park:

Start your exploration with a visit to Putnam Memorial State Park, known for its historical significance. It's the oldest state park in Connecticut and offers hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to delve into American Revolutionary War history.

Collis P. Huntington State Park:

Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of Collis P. Huntington State Park. It's a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. The park also has several ponds for fishing.

Redding Rock Climbing Center:

If you're up for an adventure, check out the Redding Rock Climbing Center. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, they have routes for all skill levels.

Mark Twain Library:

Visit the Mark Twain Library, a quaint and charming library that also serves as a community center. It often hosts events, readings, and art exhibitions.

Lonetown Farm Museum:

For a dose of local history, head to the Lonetown Farm Museum. It's a... Read MORE...