History of Torrington, Connecticut, USA

1735 - Originally called Mast Swamp for the pines harvested for use as ship masts, Torrington was settled in 1735.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ torrington/

1740 - Torrington, CT incorporated

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ torrington/

1819 - Torrington
Torrington is a post town, centrally situated in the county, being 23 miles northwest from Hartford, & 7 miles northeast from Litchfield. It is bounded north by Winchester, east by New-Hartford, south by Litchfield and Harwinton, and west by Goshen. It is about 6 miles square, comprising 36 miles, or about 23,040 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

1839 - Torrington
Torrington, Connecticut
Litchfield county. This town was first settled in 1737. Its surface is diversified by hills and valleys, and the soil is better adapted to grazing than the culture of grain. There are many sheep in the town, and the products of the dairy are considerable. Population, 1830, 1,654.

Two branches of Naugatuck river meet at Wolcottville, a beautiful village, in the south part of the town; 26 miles W.N.W. from Hartford, 40 N. by W. from New Haven, and 7 N. by E. from Litchfield. This village is situated in a valley, and contains an extensive woolen factory, a church, an academy, and a number of handsome dwelling houses. Near this village a good bed of copper ore has been recently discovered; and Mr. Israel Coe, the proprietor, has commenced the manufacture of brass kettles, the first establishment of the kind, it is believed, in the United States.

Wolcottville owes its rise, principally, to Oliver Wolcott, secretary of the United States Treasury, during the... Read MORE...

1854 - Torrington
Torrington, a post-township of Litchfield Co., Connecticut, about 22 miles N. W. by W. from Hartford ; intersected by the Naugatuck railroad. Population, 1916.
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.

1866 - Excelsior Needle Company established
On March 2, 1866, the Excelsior Needle Company of Wolcottville was organized. The company produced machine-made sewing needles by a new method called swaging, a process of cold-forming metal by compression with dies. Orrin Hopsan, Heman Brooks & E. J. Manville had patented a “machine for reducing or pointing wires” on February 6, which allowed Excelsior Needle to produce needles of a uniform size and shape for the first time, a Connecticut original.
connecticuthistory.org

1895 - Torrington
Tor'rington, a post-borough in the town of Torrington, Litchfield co., Conn., on the Naugatuck River, about 28 miles W. by N. of Hartford, and 13 miles W. of Torrington Station of the Naugatuck Railroad. Torrington has 7 churches, a bank, a high school, a daily newspaper, water works, sewers, electric lights, curbed streets, and manufactures of woollen goods, hardware, plated goods, machinery, needles, &c. Pop. of borough, 5800; of town in 1890, 6048; in 1894, 7500.
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
Torrington, a post-borough in Torrington township (town), Litchfield co., Conn. on the Naugatuck River, about 26 miles W. by N. of Hartford, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. It has manufactures of woollens, brass and plated goods, hardware, machinery, needles, bicycles, etc. Pop. of the borough in 1900, 8360; of the town, 12,453.
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

1923 - Torrington, CT chartered as a city

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ torrington/

1955 - Hurricane Diane
...Connecticut Hit.
And in Connecticut, Gov. ABRAHAM RIBICOFF ordered units of the National Guard to Torrington where the Naugatuck River and its tributaries were swollen. Flash floods developed in the Connecticut River Valley from Montague City southward...
Chester Times
Pennsylvania
August 19, 1955

Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Torrington:
Burr Pond State Park:

Take a break from the hustle and bustle by visiting Burr Pond State Park. It's an excellent spot for picnics, hiking, fishing, and even swimming during the warmer months.

Warner Theatre:

Catch a live performance or a movie at the historic Warner Theatre. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and the entertainment options cater to a variety of tastes.

KidsPlay Children's Museum:

If you have little ones, the KidsPlay Children's Museum is a must-visit. It offers interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage and educate children in a fun environment.

Torrington Historical Society:

Immerse yourself in Torrington's history at the Torrington Historical Society. They often have exhibits, events, and educational programs that shed light on the city's past.

Friendly Hands Food Bank:

Consider giving back to the community by volunteering at the Friendly Hands Food Bank. They play a crucial role in supporting those in need, and your... Read MORE...