History of Litchfield, Connecticut, USA

1784 - Tapping Reeve established the first law school in the United States in Litchfield.
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Sarah Pierce founded The Litchfield Female Academy, one of the nation’s first schools for young women, in Litchfield in 1792, where she helped educate future leaders, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, for 41 years.

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1819 - Litchfield
Litchfield, an extensive, wealthy and populous township, and seat of justice of the county, is situated in north lat. 41 degrees 50', being 30 miles west from Hartford, 36 northwest from New-Haven, and 100 from New-York; bounded on the north by Goshen and Torrington, on the east by the Nagugatuck river, which separates it from Harwinton, on the south by Watertown, Bethlem and Plymouth, and on the west by Washington and Warren. The township contains about 72 square miles; having an average length from east to west of more than 9 miles, and a mean breadth of nearly 8 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

1836 - Litchfield
The tract of land now comprised in the township of Litchfield, was called by the native Indians Bantam. In 1718, it was purchased of the colony of Connecticut by a company, who divided their purchase, (which was intended to cover ten miles square,) into sixty shares, under the name of "Proprietor's Rights," and was valued at £5 per right. The proprietors who made the purchase and first settlement, were principally from Hartford, Windsor and Lebanon. In 1720 and 1721, several families began to settle on the tract. "Nothing appears on record to show that the proprietors purchased any of the lands in this town of the Indians: the title having been previously extinguished by the colony. The lands in this town afforded better hunting ground for the Indians, than extensive intervals. Many of the hills were nearly cleared of trees by fires, kindled for the purpose of hunting. To this remark, however, many valuable tracts, containing excellent pine and other forest trees, were an important... Read MORE...

1839 - Litchfield
Litchfield, Connecticut
Litchfield county, chief town. This town, the Indian Bantam, comprising, as it was supposed, ten miles square, was valued at £300 in the year 1718. Bantam was first settled in 1720 and incorporated by its present name in 1724. It was a frontier town for many years, and during the wars between England and France was much harassed by the Canadians and Indians. Litchfield is an elevated township, and its surface presents a diversity of hills and valleys. The soil is a gravelly loam, deep, strong, and admirably adapted for grazing. Great pond is a beautiful sheet of water; it comprises an area of 900 acres, and is the largest pond in the state.

The waters of the Naugatuck, Shepung and Bantam give the town a good water power, and manufactures of cotton, wool, iron, and other articles are in successful operation on their banks.

Litchfield village, on "Litchfield Hill," was incorporated in 1818. It is a delightful place. It is situated on an elevated plain,... Read MORE...

1854 - Litchfield
Litchfield, a beautiful post-village and seat of justice of Litchfield county, Connecticut, 31 miles W. from Hartford, and 37 miles X. W. by N. from New Haven. It is situated on an elevation, surrounded by rich and varied scenery. One of the largest lakes in the state lies in full view. The principal dwellings and stores arc on two streets, crossing each other at right angles, at the inter section of which is a handsome square. Be sides the county buildings, it contains a Congregational and an Episcopal church, a branch of the Phoenix bank of Hartford, and 2 newspaper offices. A law school, which was established here in 1784, by the Hon. Tapping Reeve, was for many years the most celebrated in the United States. After the death of its distinguished founder, the school was discontinued. Population of the township, 3957.
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.

1886 - CONNECTICUT. EMBERS FROM THE LITCHFIELD FIRE.
Litchfield was crowded with people all day Saturday, come to view the ruins of the big fire. Farmers drove in from miles around and the hotels were overflowing with summer residents from Hartford, New Haven and other cities, drawn by rumors of the loss of their own property. The stores had stocked up heavily for the summer trade; and 20 of these stocks of goods are either destroyed or damaged. Eight buildings are burned to the ground. A big temporary building will be put up in the 50-acre park in the center of the village to accommodate the merchants. Great grief is felt that the fine elms about the Mansion house are scorched and shriveled; but fortunately the finest trees in the village were beyond the reach of the flames. Among the summer cottagers are President-elect Dwight of Yale, Prof Hoppin, ex-President Woolsey, Dr. Edwards and Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. They will be asked to contribute handsomely to rebuild the town. Unless the town rebuilds the court-house, the county seat... Read MORE...

1888 - A BIG FIRE AT LITCHFIELD. THE NEW COURT HOUSE AND A NUMBER OF OTHER BUILDINGS BURNED.
WATERBURY, Conn., Aug. 9. - For the second time in three years Litchfield suffered the loss of a large portion of her business blocks this morning. At 1 A. M. flames were discovered breaking was entirely of wood and burned so rapidly that no attempt to save it was made. The lower floor was occupied by Grannis & Elmore's grocery. Deneger's shoe store and Dr. J. T. Sedgwick's office were on the second floor. The flames spread to the building directly east, occupied by C. E. Shumway, harness maker; then to Sanford & Sharp's tinshop, and from this to Braman & Bissell's dry goods and grocery store and Meafay's shoe store. Hopes were entertained of being able to save the new Court House, which was recently erected at a cost of $13,000, and an attempt was made to clear away the buildings between it and the building where the fire started by the use of powder, but in spite of all efforts the flames jumped the vacant space between the Court House and the building west of it, and the new... Read MORE...

1889 - The death of Mrs. Theron Beach occurred on the 8th at her home in Litchfield, Conn., in her one hundred and first year.
During more than a century of life she had lived in one house. That house her grandfather built in 1785, and there she was born and there she died.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889

1895 - Litchfield
Litchfield, a beautiful post-village, capital of Litchfield co, Conn., in a township of the same name, 30 miles W. of Hartford, and 20 miles N.N.W. of Waterbury. It # the northern terminus of the Shepaug, Litchfield & Northern Railroad, and is 3 or 4 miles W. of Litchfield Station of the Naugatuck division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and commands a view of Bantam Lake. It contains a court-house, 3 or 4 churches, a national bank, a private asylum for the insane, and 2 newspaper offices. Pop. in 1890, 1958. The township is bounded on the E. by the Naugatuck River, and also drained by the Shepaug River, Nickel is found here. Pop. of the township, 3304.
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

1910 - FIRE IN FAMOUS HOTEL. House In Which Lafayette Was Entertained Damaged $10,000.
Special to The New York Times.

WINSTED, Conn., Dec. 23. - The old United States Hotel in Litchfield, built about 130 years ago and the scene of a ball in honor of Marquis Lafayette when he visited this country in 1824, was damaged to the extent of $10,000 by fire and water to-day.

The second and third stories of the hotel were destroyed. The blaze started in the attic from the chimney or from electric wires.
The New York Times
New York, New York
April 25, 1910

1916
Litchfield, a banking post-borough and one of the capitals of Litchfield co., Conn., in a township (town) of the same name, 30 miles W. of Hartford, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and commands a view of Bantam Lake. Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beeoher Stowe were born here. The town is bounded on the E. by the Naugatuok River and also drained by the Shepaug River. Nickel is found here. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3214 ; of the village, 1120.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Litchfield:
White Memorial Conservation Center:

Explore the beautiful trails and wildlife at the White Memorial Conservation Center. It's a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.

Litchfield Historical Society:

Dive into the town's rich history at the Litchfield Historical Society. The museum and research library showcase artifacts and documents that tell the story of Litchfield's past.

Tapping Reeve House and Law School:

Visit the Tapping Reeve House, the former home of America's first law school founder. Take a guided tour to learn about early 19th-century legal education.

Mount Tom State Park:

Hike to the summit of Mount Tom for panoramic views of the Litchfield Hills. It's a fantastic spot for a picnic or just enjoying the natural beauty.

Lourdes in Litchfield:

Find peace and serenity at Lourdes in Litchfield, a beautiful shrine and gardens dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Morrison Gallery:

If you appreciate art, visit the Morrison Gallery.... Read MORE...