History of Somers, Connecticut, USA

1713 - (Somers, CT) - Once a part of Massachusetts, men from Enfield moved to the area permanently and formalized the settlement in 1713.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ somers/

1734 - Somers, CT incorporated

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ somers/

1749 - Somers became a part of Connecticut (along with Enfield, Suffield, and Woodstock)

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ somers/

1819 - Somers
Somers is situated in the northwest corner of the county, being 22 miles northeast from Hartford, 12 miles southeast from Springfield, in Massachusetts, and 56 miles west from Providence.

It is bounded north on Massachusetts line, south on Ellington, east on Stafford, and west on Enfield, in Hartford county.

The township is nearly 6 miles in length, with a mean breadth of about 5 miles, comprising an area of 28 square miles. The western section of the town is considerably smooth and level, being free from stone; and the surface is diversified with hills of a moderate elevation. The soil is a gravelly loam, interspersed with some tracts of argillaceous loam, rich and fertile, and well adapted to a grain culture. The eastern part of the town is hilly and mountainous, containing some heights of considerable elevation, affording an extensive and interesting prospect of Hartford, and the beautiful vale upon Connecticut river.

This mountainous tract is rough and stony, containing... Read MORE...

1838 - Four Town Fair
Four Town Fair was established in 1838.

1839 - Somers
Somers, Connecticut
Tolland county. This town lies 22 miles N.E. from Hartford, 10 N. by W. from Tolland, and 12 S.E. from Springfield, Mass. First settled, 1713. It was incorporated by Massachusetts in 1734, and named in honor of Lord Somers, at the request of Governor Belcher.

Part of the town is level and productive of grass and grain, and part is quite elevated, producing good pasturage for sheep, and presenting delightful views of the valley of Connecticut river. It is watered by Scantic river.

Somers has a very neat village, in which is a large establishment for the manufacture of straw bonnets. Population, 1830, 1,429.
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 - Somers
Somers, a manufacturing post-village in Tolland co., Connecticut, 23 miles N. E. of Hartford. Population of the township, 1508.
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.

1878 - The Hartford Religious Herald says the Town of Somers, Conn., has for twenty years taken the responsibility of all burials within its limits,
and has supplied to all, rich and poor, high and low alike, a sexton, hearse and grave for the cost of four dollars. The Herald inquires if it would not be well to have all burials in towns and cities conducted "on this considerate and Christian principle of equality and economy."
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 28, 1878

1895 - Somers
Somers, süm'erz, a post-village in Somers township, Tolland co., Conn., about 12 miles S.E. of Springfield, Mass.; and 22 miles N.E. of Hartford. It contains the village of Somersville, and has 2 churches and a hat-factory. Pop. of the township in 1890, 1407.
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

1895 - A Horrible Death.
SOMERS, Conn., April 18. - Frank Starr, a sawyer at the Curtis lumber mill, was a work, when his clothing came in contact with the teeth of a buzz saw, and he was drawn over the sharp teeth. His head was severed from his body and the latter was badly mutilated.
The Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
April 18, 1895

1906
Somers, a post-village in Somers township (town), Tolland co., Conn., 22 miles NE. of Hartford. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1593.
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

2023 - 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 Somers:
Somers Village Artisan Market:

Start your exploration by checking out the Somers Village Artisan Market. It's a lovely spot to discover unique handmade crafts, art, and local products. You might find the perfect souvenir to remember your time in Somers.

Shenipsit State Forest:

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, head to Shenipsit State Forest. This natural oasis provides hiking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful scenery. It's an excellent place for a relaxing day in nature.

Somers Historical Society Museum:

Learn about the town's rich history by visiting the Somers Historical Society Museum. Explore exhibits and artifacts that showcase the heritage of Somers and the surrounding area.

Four Town Fair:

If you happen to visit in the fall, don't miss the Four Town Fair. It's an annual event featuring agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, carnival rides, and delicious fair food. It's a great way to experience the local community spirit.

Hike at Soapstone... Read MORE...