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History of Washington, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Washington, Connecticut, USA
(New Preston)
Visit Washington, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Washington Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!
Washington, Litchfield, Connecticut, USA
Early industries in Washington included ironworks, quarries, small mills and factories powered by water from the Shepaug and Aspetuck rivers.
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There is MUCH more to discover about Washington, Connecticut, USA. Read on!
Washington Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Washington, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Gunn Memorial Library){kind=small}
Gunn Memorial Library
Washington, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Wykeham Rise School
"Fanny Emma Davies, the founder of Wykeham Rise, was born in Winchester, England, in 1862. After studying in Paris and at Oxford, she received her degree from St. Andrew's University in Scotland. When she first came to the United States, she taught at the Norwood Institute in Washington, D.C. and later at Rosemary Hall in Greenwich. Urged by friends, she visited Washington, Connecticut, fell in love with the town, and decided to start her own school there.
... In 1907 the school settled in a white frame building on the grounds that we knew. Fire demolished the main building in 1923, but a new one was built on the original foundation in 1924.
... The purpose of Wykeham Rise was to prepare young women for a college education. As time passed, Miss Davies incorporated music, drama, and art into the traditional academic curriculum.
A shortage of help, gas rationing, and the wartime financial situation in 1943 led to the decision of the trustees to close the school..." wykehamrise.com){kind=small}
Wykeham Rise School
"Fanny Emma Davies, the founder of Wykeham Rise, was born in Winchester, England, in 1862. After studying in Paris and at Oxford, she received her degree from St. Andrew's University in Scotland. When she first came to the United States, she taught at the Norwood Institute in Washington, D.C. and later at Rosemary Hall in Greenwich. Urged by friends, she visited Washington, Connecticut, fell in love with the town, and decided to start her own school there.
... In 1907 the school settled in a white frame building on the grounds that we knew. Fire demolished the main building in 1923, but a new one was built on the original foundation in 1924.
... The purpose of Wykeham Rise was to prepare young women for a college education. As time passed, Miss Davies incorporated music, drama, and art into the traditional academic curriculum.
A shortage of help, gas rationing, and the wartime financial situation in 1943 led to the decision of the trustees to... Read MORE...
Washington, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - The Loomarwick, New Preston, Conn.
The Loomarwick on Lake Waramaug New Preston, Conn A Quinlan Resort in Nearby Connecticut American Plan Accommodates 125 Thomas F. Quinlan, Owner-manager){kind=small}
The Loomarwick, New Preston, Conn.
The Loomarwick on Lake Waramaug New Preston, Conn A Quinlan Resort in Nearby Connecticut American Plan Accommodates 125 Thomas F. Quinlan, Owner-manager
Washington, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - The Green - Washington, Conn.){kind=small}
The Green - Washington, Conn.
Washington, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Post Office, New Preston, Conn.){kind=small}
Post Office, New Preston, Conn.
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Discover Washington: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1779 - (Washington, CT) - Named after George Washington, the town incorporated in 1779 from parts of Woodbury, Litchfield, Kent, and New Milford.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ washington/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ washington/
Famous abolitionist and educator Frederick Gunn was born in Washington in 1816.
courant.com
courant.com
1819 - Washington
Washington is a post township, situated in the southwestern section of the county, 40 miles southwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Warren, on the east by Litchfield and Bethlem, on the south by Woodbury and Roxbury, and on the west by New-Milford and Kent.
The average length of the township from north to south is about 7 miles, and its average breadth from east to west more than 5 miles; comprising an area of about 37 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
Washington is a post township, situated in the southwestern section of the county, 40 miles southwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Warren, on the east by Litchfield and Bethlem, on the south by Woodbury and Roxbury, and on the west by New-Milford and Kent.
The average length of the township from north to south is about 7 miles, and its average breadth from east to west more than 5 miles; comprising an area of about 37 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
1836 - Washington
WASHINGTON was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1779. Judea, the first society in this town, was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1741; before this period it was included in the ecclesiastical society of Woodbury. The first settlement in the limits of Judea was made by Joseph Huriburt, about the year 1734. "The first sermon preached in this society was by Mr. Isaac Baldwin, of Litchfield, who afterwards relinquished the ministry, and became the first clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Litchfield. All the inhabitants attended on this occasion, and were accommodated in a small room in Mr. Hurlburt's dwelling house.
The Rev. Reuben Judd, the first minister settled in this society, was ordained Sept. 1st, 1742 The ordination was attended in a grove, and the first church was formed, consisting of 12 male members, on the same day. The same year, the first church was built, by eight proprietors. The second church was raised in 1751. In July, 1800, this... Read MORE...
WASHINGTON was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1779. Judea, the first society in this town, was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1741; before this period it was included in the ecclesiastical society of Woodbury. The first settlement in the limits of Judea was made by Joseph Huriburt, about the year 1734. "The first sermon preached in this society was by Mr. Isaac Baldwin, of Litchfield, who afterwards relinquished the ministry, and became the first clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Litchfield. All the inhabitants attended on this occasion, and were accommodated in a small room in Mr. Hurlburt's dwelling house.
The Rev. Reuben Judd, the first minister settled in this society, was ordained Sept. 1st, 1742 The ordination was attended in a grove, and the first church was formed, consisting of 12 male members, on the same day. The same year, the first church was built, by eight proprietors. The second church was raised in 1751. In July, 1800, this... Read MORE...
1839 - Washington
Washington, Connecticut
Litchfield county. Judea, the first society in this town, was a part of Woodbury until 1741. It was first settled in 1734. It was incorporated as a town in 1779.
This town is 40 miles S.W. from Hartford and 10 S.W. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 986.
"A large part of this town is elevated and mountainous. Limestone abounds in many of the valleys. Several quarries of marble have been worked, from which considerable quantities have been raised. Iron ore has been found in various places. Ochre, fuller's earth, and white clay, have also been found. The town is watered by the Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonick, which passes through the whole length of the town, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. The town is divided into two societies, Judea and New Preston. There is in Judea, or Washington as it is called, about two miles S.W. of the centre of the town, a place called "Steep Rock." From the top of this eminence, which is easy of access, the... Read MORE...
Washington, Connecticut
Litchfield county. Judea, the first society in this town, was a part of Woodbury until 1741. It was first settled in 1734. It was incorporated as a town in 1779.
This town is 40 miles S.W. from Hartford and 10 S.W. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 986.
"A large part of this town is elevated and mountainous. Limestone abounds in many of the valleys. Several quarries of marble have been worked, from which considerable quantities have been raised. Iron ore has been found in various places. Ochre, fuller's earth, and white clay, have also been found. The town is watered by the Shepaug river, a branch of the Housatonick, which passes through the whole length of the town, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. The town is divided into two societies, Judea and New Preston. There is in Judea, or Washington as it is called, about two miles S.W. of the centre of the town, a place called "Steep Rock." From the top of this eminence, which is easy of access, the... Read MORE...
1850 - (Washington, CT) - Gunnery, a college preparatory school was established in 1850.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ washington/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ washington/
1854 - Washington
Washington, a manufacturing post-village in Litchfield co., Connecticut, 83 miles W. by S. from Hartford, contains 3 or 4 churches. Population of the township, 1802.
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.
Washington, a manufacturing post-village in Litchfield co., Connecticut, 83 miles W. by S. from Hartford, contains 3 or 4 churches. Population of the township, 1802.
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 - Washington / New Preston / Washington Depot
Washington, a post-village in Washington township, Litchfield co., Conn., 1 mile from Washington Depot (which is on the Shepaug Railroad, 13 miles S.S.W. of Litchfield), and 15 miles W.N.W. of Waterbury. The township is intersected by Shepaug River, and presents picturesque scenery. It contains New Preston and Washington Depot, and has quarries of white marble. Pop. of township, 1563.
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
Washington, a post-village in Washington township, Litchfield co., Conn., 1 mile from Washington Depot (which is on the Shepaug Railroad, 13 miles S.S.W. of Litchfield), and 15 miles W.N.W. of Waterbury. The township is intersected by Shepaug River, and presents picturesque scenery. It contains New Preston and Washington Depot, and has quarries of white marble. Pop. of township, 1563.
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
Washington, a post-village in Washington township (town), Litchfield co., Conn., about 15 miles WNW. of Waterbury. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1820.
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
Washington, a post-village in Washington township (town), Litchfield co., Conn., about 15 miles WNW. of Waterbury. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1820.
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
1911 - PARLOR CAR JUMPS TRACK.
Eighteen Passengers Shaken and One Hurt on Litchfield Express.
WASHINGTON, Conn., July 8. - Eighteen passengers were well shaken up and one man suffered a serious scalp wound when the rear parlor car of the Litchfield express, on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, outward bound from New York, jumped the track about a mile below this place late today and rolled over on its side.
At the time of the accident the train was proceeding slowly, as it was taking a grade, and to this fact is attributed the escape of the passengers from serious injury. The other cars remained on the rails. A considerable section of the roadbed was torn up. The cause of the accident has not been determined.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 9, 1911
Eighteen Passengers Shaken and One Hurt on Litchfield Express.
WASHINGTON, Conn., July 8. - Eighteen passengers were well shaken up and one man suffered a serious scalp wound when the rear parlor car of the Litchfield express, on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, outward bound from New York, jumped the track about a mile below this place late today and rolled over on its side.
At the time of the accident the train was proceeding slowly, as it was taking a grade, and to this fact is attributed the escape of the passengers from serious injury. The other cars remained on the rails. A considerable section of the roadbed was torn up. The cause of the accident has not been determined.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 9, 1911
2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Washington:
Hidden Valley Preserve:
Take a hike through the beautiful trails of Hidden Valley Preserve. The scenery is stunning, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
The Institute for American Indian Studies:
Explore the rich history of Native American cultures at the Institute for American Indian Studies. It's an informative and fascinating experience.
Stebbins Farm:
If you're a fan of local produce, visit Stebbins Farm. It's a delightful spot to pick your own fruits and vegetables, especially during the harvest season.
Gunn Historical Museum:
Discover the history of Washington at the Gunn Historical Museum. It provides insights into the town's past and is a great way to spend an educational afternoon.
Marty's Cafe:
Grab a cup of coffee at Marty's Cafe. It's a cozy spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying some quiet time.
Bantam Bread Company:
Indulge in freshly baked goods at the Bantam Bread... Read MORE...
Hidden Valley Preserve:
Take a hike through the beautiful trails of Hidden Valley Preserve. The scenery is stunning, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
The Institute for American Indian Studies:
Explore the rich history of Native American cultures at the Institute for American Indian Studies. It's an informative and fascinating experience.
Stebbins Farm:
If you're a fan of local produce, visit Stebbins Farm. It's a delightful spot to pick your own fruits and vegetables, especially during the harvest season.
Gunn Historical Museum:
Discover the history of Washington at the Gunn Historical Museum. It provides insights into the town's past and is a great way to spend an educational afternoon.
Marty's Cafe:
Grab a cup of coffee at Marty's Cafe. It's a cozy spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying some quiet time.
Bantam Bread Company:
Indulge in freshly baked goods at the Bantam Bread... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Washington Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Washington, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about 17 ancestors who were born or died in Washington.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Washington, Connecticut, USA
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Genealogy Resources for Washington
Our Washington Gift Ideas
Connecticut Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History
Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Savin Rock, Connecticut Memories Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug
Introducing the Memories of Savin Rock ceramic postcard mug, a charming tribute to the iconic amusement park in Connecticut! This 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug is a delightful blend of nostalgia and functionality. Featuring a vintage-inspired design, the mug showcases iconic images and landmarks from Savin Rock amusement park, evoking fond memories of days gone by.
My Connecticut Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition
Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.
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