History of Barkhamsted, Connecticut, USA

1732 - Allocated to Windsor in 1732, proprietors used the land for farming and raising livestock. That same year, the General Assembly named the town Berkhamstead.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ barkhamstead/

1779 - (Barkhamsted, CT) - In 1774, the town applied for incorporation but was not officially recognized until 1779.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ barkhamstead/

1818 - (Barkhamsted, CT) - Lambert Hitchcock opened a store at the Benham-Doolittle sawmill
which eventually grew into the Hitchcock Chair Company.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ barkhamstead/

1819 - Barkhamsted
Barkhamsted is a post township, situated 23 miles northwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Hartland and Colebrook, on the east by Canton and Granby, on the south by New-Hartford, and on the west by Winchester. It comprises about 32 square miles, or 20,580 acres; being about 6 and a half miles in length from east to west, and about 5 miles in breadth from north to south...
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

Lambert Hitchcock built the Hitchcock Chair Factory in 1825, which produced the famous Hitchcock "fancy" chairs in Riverton. The village was known as Hitchcocksville until the 1860s.

courant.com

1839 - Barkhampstead
Barkhampstead, Connecticut
Litchfield county. This town is watered by branches of Farmington river. The soil is more particularly adapted to grazing: considerable beef and the products of the dairy are sent to market. It is 26 miles N.W. from Hartford and 20 N.N.E. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 1,715. First settled, 1746. Incorporated, 1779. Granite, iron ore and limestone are found here. The hilly part of the town presents some fine scenery. Hitchcockville, north of the centre of the town, is a flourishing manufacturing village, with great water privileges.
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

1845-46 - St Paul's Lutheran Church is built in Pleasant Valley, Barkhamsted
In 1845—46 a Baptist Church and ecclesiastical society was organized in Pleasant Valley (in Barkhamsted), and a neat house of worship was erected. Rev. George B. Atwell became settled pastor in December, 1846, and Hart Doolittle was elected deacon. The church at this time numbered twenty-six. In 1847 the church gained accessions, and for several years continued to grow and prosper, although its membership never exceeded seventy-five. In 1858, Rev. J. J. Bronson succeeded Elder Atwell as pastor. In 1859 the members who resided in New Hartford formed a separate organization, known as a "Branch of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church." The original church, although reduced in numbers and strength, still retained its vitality, and Rev. T. Wrinkle succeeded to the pastorate, and was ordained in June, 1861. He remained but a few months, and the church was left without a pastor until 1865-66, when the remaining members united with the New Hartford branch, the house of worship was removed to... Read MORE...

1854 - Barkhampstead
Barkhampstead, a post-township of Litchfield county, Connecticut, 20 miles N. W. from Hartford, contains some very fine water privileges. Population, 1525.
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 - Barkhamsted
Barkham'sted, a post-township of Litchfield co., Conn., about 20 miles N.W. of Hartford, is drained by the Farmington River and intersected by the Connecticut Western Railroad. It has 6 churches, and contains a hamlet named Pleasant Valley. Pop. 1439.
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

1916
Barkham'sted, a post-township (town) of Litchfield co., Conn., about 20 miles NW. of Hartford, is drained by the Farmington River. Pop. in 1900, 864.
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

1940 - (Barkhamsted, CT) - Barkhamsted Reservoir began with the completion of the Saville Dam.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ barkhamstead/

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Barkhamsted:
People's State Forest:

Start your adventure with a visit to People's State Forest. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic picnic areas. Take a stroll along the Farmington River, and don't forget your camera—there are some breathtaking views.

Barkhamsted Reservoir:

If you enjoy water activities, head to Barkhamsted Reservoir. It's a serene spot for fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the tranquility. The reservoir is surrounded by forests, providing a picturesque backdrop.

Saville Dam:

Marvel at the engineering of Saville Dam, which holds back the waters of the Barkhamsted Reservoir. It's not just a functional structure; it's a sight to behold. The dam is also a great place for a leisurely walk, offering panoramic views of the reservoir.


American Legion and Peoples Forest State Parks:

Explore the American Legion and Peoples Forest State Parks, where you can find more hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and... Read MORE...