History of Bolton, Connecticut, USA

1720 - (Bolton, CT) - Originally part of the town of Hartford, the area was referred to as Hartford Mountains or Hanover, until incorporation in October of 1720.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bolton/

1721 - (Bolton, CT) - In 1721, at a town meeting, it was voted to construct a Meeting House.

www.bolton.govoffice.com

1725 - (Bolton, CT) - In 1725, the Reverend Thomas White became Bolton’s first minister.

www.bolton.govoffice.com

1749 - (Bolton, CT) - The first permanent schools were established in Bolton.

www.bolton.govoffice.com

French Army General Comte de Rochambeau stayed with his troops at Rose’s Farm in Bolton in 1781.
They were on their way to join Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
courant.com

1808 - The northern half of Bolton was set aside in 1808 to form the town of Vernon.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bolton/

1812 - (Bolton, CT) - The first Post Office was established in Bolton in 1812, with Samuel Alvord as the first Postmaster.

www.bolton.govoffice.com

1819 - Bolton
Bolton is a small post township, 14 miles east from Hartford; bounded on the north by Vernon, on the east by Coventry, on the south by Hebron, and on the west by East-Hartford. The township contains an area of 16 square miles; being more than 5 miles in length and 3 in breadth.

This town is embraced within the granitic district of the eastern section of the State, has an elevated situation, and is hilly and stony. The soil is a coarse, hard, gravelly loam, rather cold and sterile. It however affords tolerable grazing; and the dairy business is the leading agricultural interest.

The natural growth of timber is oak, walnut, maple, chesnut, &c.; and the forests are considerably extensive. The farmers, in the fall and winter seasons, bring large quantities of wood to Hartford market.

A branch of Hop river runs through the northeastern section of the town, and a branch of Salmon river through the southwestern.

The Hartford and Norwich turnpike road leads through the centre of... Read MORE...

1820 - (Bolton, CT) - The Bolton Quarry was sending flags of stone to Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Orleans as early as 1820.

www.bolton.govoffice.com

1839 - Bolton
Bolton, Connecticut
Tolland county. This town lies 14 miles E. from Hartford and 10 miles S. by W. from Tolland. Population, 1830, 744. The soil is a coarse, hard, gravelly loam, fit only for grazing. It is within the granite region of the eastern section of the state. The Bolton Stone Quarry is quite noted. "The stone is a species of slate, of a brilliant light gray color, composed of mica and quartz, and is excellent for flagging and other purposes. It is extensively used in the principal cities of the United States. For strength it exceeds any other known in this country, and the demand for it is rapidly increasing." The supply is inexhaustible.
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

1854 - Bolton
Bolton, a post-township of Tolland co., Conn., on the Providence, Hartford, and Fishkill railroad, about 15 miles E. from Hartford. This township contains an extensive quarry of a superior quality of stone. Pop., 600.
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.

1881 - The Bolton Library Association was created in 1881.
Dr. Charles Sumner served for many years as its president. The first librarian, Frank P. Williams, was hired in 1883. The library was first located in Williams’ General Store in Bolton Center, and then moved to the home of Deacon Charles Loomis...
www.bolton.govoffice.com

1895 - Bolton
Bolton, a post-township of Tolland co., Conn., traversed by the Providence, Hartford & Fishkill Railroad. Bolton Station on that road is 17 miles E. of Hartford. It has a paper-mill, granite-quarries, and 2 churches. P. 576.
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
Bolton, a post-township (town) of Tolland co., Conn. Bolton station is 17 miles E. of Hartford. Pop. in 1900, 457.
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

1938 - The Bolton Lake dam gave way after a hurricane in 1938.

connecticuthistory.org/ rock-solid-industry -in-19th-century-bolton/

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Bolton:
Bolton Notch State Park: This scenic park is a hidden gem in Bolton. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful view of the old railroad tunnel that passes through the notch. It's a great spot for a leisurely hike and enjoying nature.

Hop River State Park Trail: If you love biking or hiking, the Hop River State Park Trail is a must-visit. This 20-mile-long rail trail passes through Bolton and provides a serene route through woodlands, wetlands, and farmlands. It's especially beautiful during the fall when the foliage is vibrant.

Bolton Heritage Farm: This historic farm is a window into Bolton's agricultural past. It features a beautifully preserved 18th-century barn, walking trails, and educational exhibits. It's a great place to learn about the town's history and enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Shenipsit State Forest: Located adjacent to Bolton, this state forest offers over 7,000 acres of woodland, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The Shenipsit ... Read MORE...