History of Harwinton, Connecticut, USA

1819 - Harwinton
Harwinton is a post township, situated in the southeastern section of the county, 23 miles from Hartford; bounded on the north by New-Hartford and Torrington, on the east by Burlington in Hartford county, on the south by Plymouth, and on the west by the Naugatuck river, which separates it from Litchfield. It is 6 miles in length, and 5 in breadth, comprising an area of 30 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

Collis P. Huntington, a railroad magnate who made possible the first transcontinental railroad, was born in Harwinton in 1821.

courant.com

1836 - Harwinton
HARWINTON originally consisted of two half townships, one part belonging to Hartford, and the other to the Windsor proprietors. The first settlers were also from Hartford and Windsor. The town is said to have derived its name from the names of the towns Hartford, Windsor, and Farniington, Har-win-ton. "The six first settlers were Messenger, Brace, Hopkins, Webster, Phelps, and Wilson. These were on the lands before the division and sale of them in 1732. The settlement of the town is considered as having been made in 1731. It was incorporated in October, 1737. The first minister was the Rev. Andrew Bartholomew, ordained about the year 1736."

Harwinton is bounded N. by New Hartford and Torrington, W. by the Naugatuc river separating it from Litchfield, E. by Burlington, and S. by Plymouth. It is 6 miles in length and upwards of 5 in width. The township is elevated and hilly, with granite rocks. The lands are best adapted for grazing, and the making of butter and cheese is a leading... Read MORE...

1839 - Harwinton
Harwinton, Connecticut
Litchfield county. Har-win-ton derived its name from three syllables taken from the names of Hartford, Windsor, and Farmington. It was first settled in 1731; incorporated, 1737. Population, 1830, 1,516. It lies 23 miles W. from Hartford, 40 N. by W. from New Haven, and 8 E. from Litchfield. Harwinton is situated on high ground, abounding with granite rocks and more fit for grazing than tillage.
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 - Harwinton Fair
Establishment of the Harwinton Fair, originally known as Harwinton Cattle Show and Fair.

1854 - Harwinton
Harwinton, a post-township of Litchfield co.. Connecticut, 20 miles N. W. from Hartford. Population, 1176.
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.

1859
HARWINTON, a township of Litchfield co., in the state of Connecticut, U.S., 24 m. W of Hartford. It has a hilly surface, watered by Naugatuc river, and its affluent, Lead Mine river, and affords excellent pasturage. Pop. in 1840, 1,201.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Harwinton
Harwinton, a post-village in Harwinton township, Litchfield co, Conn., about 22 miles W. of Hartford. The township is bounded on the W. by the Naugatuck River, and has a pop. of 1044.
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

1902 - LIGHTNING'S QUEER PRANKS.
One Bolt Struck a Connecticut Schoolhouse and Shocked the Inmates.

Special to The New York Times.

WINSTED, Conn., April 12. - During a severe electrical storm which broke over East Litchfield and Harwinton yesterday afternoon lightning executed many queer pranks. A bolt struck the west district schoolhouse in Harwinton and shocked twenty children, three of whom were rendered unconscious. Miss Marion Pratt, daughter of John Pratt, was most seriously affected.

Two men driving from Torrington to East Litchfield were knocked insensible by a ball of fire. David Johnson, who was drawing wood near East Litchfield when the storm came up, says the air was heavily charged with electricity for several minutes. Lightning struck within a few feet of a herd of cattle owned by John Pratt of East Litchfield and covered the animals with mud. The fluid burned two strands of a barbed wire fence for a distance of thirty rods and left the third wire untouched. Examination failed to reveal a trace ... Read MORE...

1916
Harwinton, a post-village of Harwinton township (town), in Litchfield co., Conn., about 22 miles W. of Hart ford. The town is bounded on the W. by the Naugatuck River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1213.
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

1949 - Highway Safety Commission Lists 1948 Freak Accidents
...Another accident reminiscent of the horse and buggy days occurred last October at the Harwinton Fair. A horse, hitched to a sulky, became frightened and bolted. The driverless sulky knocked down three persons while they were attempting to get out of the way...
Naugatuck News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Wednesday, January 5, 1949

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Harwinton:
Burlington State Fish Hatchery:

If you're into nature and fishing, the Burlington State Fish Hatchery is a great place to visit. You can learn about fish conservation efforts and even do some fishing if that's your thing.

Nepaug State Forest:

For outdoor enthusiasts, Nepaug State Forest offers hiking and biking trails. It's a beautiful natural area with diverse flora and fauna.

Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area:

Despite its ominous name, Satan's Kingdom is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing on the Farmington River. It's a scenic area with opportunities for water-based recreation.

Action Wildlife Foundation:

Animal lovers will enjoy the Action Wildlife Foundation, a wildlife sanctuary and zoo. It's a great place for families, with a variety of animals to observe and learn about.

Harrybrooke Park:

This is a lovely park with walking trails, gardens, and a pond. It's a peaceful place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Black Rock State... Read MORE...