History of Wilton, Connecticut, USA

1777 - (Wilton, CT) - In 1777 the Revolutionary War made its mark on the town when the British set fire to several homes after they retreated from their raid on Danbury.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ wilton/

In 1802 the General Assembly declared Wilton a separate township from Norwalk.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ wilton/

1819 - Wilton
Wilton is a post township, situated 6 miles north from Norwalk, and 34 miles westerly from New-Haven. It is bounded on the north by Ridgefield, on the east by Reading and Weston, on the south by Norwalk, and on the west by New-Canaan, and Salem, in the state of New-York. Its extent is about 6 and a half miles in length, and 4 miles in breadth, comprising about 17000 acres...
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

1836 - Wilton
WILTON was incorporated as a town in 1802. It was previously a society in the town of Norwalk, organized as such in 1726. The town is about 6 1/ 2 miles in length, and 4 in breadth; bounded N. by Ridgefield, E. by Reading and Weston, S. by Norwalk, and W. by New Canaan and Salem in the State of New York. The surface of the township is broken, there being two ridges running northerly and southerly through the town. The soil is a gravelly loam, considerably productive, and best adapted to a grain culture. The lands are also was adapted for fruit of various kids.

Agriculture is the principal business of the inhabitants. There is a satinet? factory in the town. There are four churches, 1 Episcopal, 1 Congregational, and 2 Methodist. The central part of the town is seven miles north of Norwalk.

Wilton Academy is a classical school of high ?. The students are generally from various States in the Union. It was instituted about the year 1818, by Hawley Olmstead, Esq., and is still... Read MORE...

1839 - Wilton
Wilton, Connecticut
Fairfield county. Wilton was taken from the north part of Norwalk, in 1802. The surface of the town is broken by two ridges of hills, but the soil is a gravelly loam and productive of grain and a great variety of fruit. Agriculture is the principal business of the inhabitants. The town is watered by Norwalk river, and has a satinet factory and other mechanical operations by water. A classical school, of high reputation, was established here in 1818, by Hawley Olmstead, Esq. This school is worth a million of the silver mines that were discovered and worked in this town during the revolutionary war. Wilton lies 34 miles W.S.W. from New Haven and 6 N. from Norwalk. Population, 1830, 2,095.
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

1853 - Fire at Wilton.
We learn from the Lowell News that on the 3d inst., a fire broke out in a building belonging to Dea. Fiske, and used for a cider mill and storage purposes. The building was entirely destroyed, together with a large quantity of lumber designed for the erection of a new house by Mr. Fiske. No insurance.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
May 12, 1853

1854 - Wilton
Wilton, a post-village of Fairfield co., Connecticut, on the Danbury and Norfolk railroad, about 30 miles S. W. by W. from New Haven. It contains 2 churches, an academy and several stores. Population of the township, 2066.
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.

1885 - A widow in Wilton, Conn., says she never intends to marry again. She is 104.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 22, 1885

1895 - Wilton
Wilton, a post-village of Fairfield co., Conn., in Wilton township, on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, 16 miles S. of Danbury, and 6 miles N. of Norwalk. It has 2 churches and 2 academies or boarding-schools. Pop. of the township, 1994.
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
Wilton, a post-village of Fairfield co., Conn., in Wilton township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 16 miles S. of Danbury. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1598.
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 resident or just visiting, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Wilton:
Wilton Historical Society:

Explore the rich history of Wilton at the Wilton Historical Society. They often have exhibits, events, and tours that provide insights into the town's past.

Ambler Farm:

If you enjoy the outdoors, Ambler Farm is a great spot. It's a historic farm with walking trails, community events, and a chance to connect with nature.

Wilton Center:

Take a stroll through Wilton Center, the town's hub, where you'll find a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It's a great place to shop local and grab a bite to eat.

Cannondale Village:

This quaint village within Wilton offers a picturesque setting with charming shops and eateries. It's a nice place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Wilton Playshop:

Check out a play or musical at the Wilton Playshop. It's a community theater that often puts on entertaining productions.

Wilton Woods:

For a relaxing outdoor experience, visit Wilton Woods. You can take a peaceful walk, have a picnic, or... Read MORE...