History of Milford, Connecticut, USA

1639 - Settlers from New Haven arrive in Milford area, then called Wepawaug.

www.bethany-ct.com/ historicalSociety/ bhs-facts.htm

1682 - June 20 - A major tornado ripped through southwestern Connecticut, passing through Stratford, Milford, and New Haven, and then into Long Island Sound.

WeatherForYou.com
June 20, 1682

1839 - Milford
Milford, Ct.

New Haven co. This is one of the towns which composed the "Old Jurisdiction of New Haven." The settlement commenced in 1639. The first purchase of land was made of the Indians, for the consideration of "6 coats, 10 blankets, 1 kettle, besides a number of hoes, knives, hatchets, and glasses." The Indians made a reservation of 20 acres in town, which was old by them, in 1661 for 6 coats, 2 blankets, and a pair of breeches.

Milford is bounded W. by Housatonick river, and S.E. by Long Island Sound. The Indian name of the place was Wepawaug. The town is generally level, and the soil productive. There is a quarry of beautiful serpentine marble in the town, and a harbor for small vessels.

Poconock or Milford point is a noted place, where are a number of huts on the beach, occupied by persons engaged in the oyster and clam business.

Milford village is very pleasant, and the scenery variegated and interesting. Population, 1837, about... Read MORE...

1850 - Train Accident
When the Express train from New York, going at the rate of 30 miles per hour, was within 100 rods of the Milford Conn. station, a young man walked deliberately to the steps of the car and jumped upon the frozen ground. It is needless to add that he was instantly killed.
genealogybank.com
New Hampshire Sentinel
New Hampshire
February 21, 1850

1854 - Milford
Milford, a post-village and seaport of New Haven county, Connecticut, on the New York and'New Haven railroad, and on the Wopewang river, 10 miles S. W. from New Haven. It contains 3 churches, 6 or 8 stores, and several good schools. The harbor is safe, and admits vessels of about 200 tons burthen. Population of the township, 2465.
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 - Milford
Milford, a post-village and seaport in Milford township, New Haven co., Conn., on Long Island Sound, at the mouth of the Wopewaug River, and on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 10 miles S.W. of New Haven. It contains a graded school, a savings-bank, 5 churches, a carriage-factory, a manufactory of boots and shoes, a news paper office, a large manufactory of straw goods, and the Automatic Book-Sewing Machine Company. The township is bounded on the W. by the Housatonic River. Pop. of township in 1890, 3811.
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

1897 - THREE FIRES IN MILFORD.
William Cummings Arrested on Suspicion of Incendiarism.

MILFORD, Conn., April 15. - Milford had another lot of excitement last night because of three fires, undoubtedly or incendiary origin, making six fires in the town within about one week.

The first fire broke out about midnight in a boarding house, and in short order two barns were discovered in flames. In none of the cases was great damage done. The last fire was in the barn of Thomas Phalen, and William Cummings, a well-known young man, was arrested on suspicion. He will be tried to-day.
The New York Times
New York, New York
April 16, 1897

1902 Tornado
Milford, March 20. - During the progress of the small cyclone which struck Milford yesterday afternoon, Mrs. John S. Mitchell was picked up by a guest[sic] of wind and thrown into the street between the wheels of a coal wagon. The driver of the vehicle just saw Mrs. Mitchell's body in time to prevent it from being crushed. As it was she badly bruised from head to foot, but it is not believed that her injuries are serious. A new hotel which is being built for Fitzroy Willard at Fort Trumbull Beach was blown to the ground.
Naugatuck Daily News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
March 20, 1902

1906
Milford, a banking post-township (town) and seaside resort of New Haven co., Conn., on Long Island Sound, at the mouth of the Wopewaug River, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 9 miles SW. of New Haven. It contains the Taylor Library, a fine memorial bridge, and a soldiers' monument, and has manufactures of straw goods, silver-plated ware, electrical supplies, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3783.
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

1916 - PROBE BEGUN IN MILFORD WRECK NINE DEAD, OVER FIFTY PERSONS INJURED. LOCAL RUNS INTO EXPRESS.
Flagman Meets Death While Waving Signal to Stop Oncoming Train - Ill Fated Engineer, Rounding Curve at Fast Clip, Fails to See Sign.

New Haven, Conn., Feb. 23 - An investigation to ascertain the cause of the train wreck near Milford, in which nine persons were killed and scores injured, was begun by the Connecticut public utilities commission.

MR. ELWELL said that he was confident of finding out the cause and whose was the responsibility despite the fact that the engineer, the fireman and the flagman, the persons most intimately connected with the collision, were killed.

The dead are:
GEORGE C. ALLEN, Groton, Conn.
PATRICK CONNORS, New York.
W. R. CURTIS, engineer of train No. 6.
J. FRICK, Pullman porter, train No. 79.
J. FRY, Pullman porter, train No. 79.
MISS SUSAN R. HIGHLAND, New Haven.
E. L. McGINNIS, fireman.
G. L. TOURTELETTE, flagman, train No. 79.
Unidentified man, a passenger: Armenian, believed to be MARDERS HOVHANESSIAN.

Two Trains Jump Tracks.
A... Read MORE...

1923 - WINDS FAN SPARKS, DAMAGING CHIMNEY OF MILFORD HOTEL
MILFORD, Mar. 19. Fanned by high winds, fire did considerable damage to a chimney on Smith's hotel at Milford Point early tonight, and would probably have resulted more seriously had not the firemen arrived in time to check it.

A still alarm was sent in to Chemical company, No. 3 of Myrtle Beach, which is two miles away, and when the firemen arrived on the scene, the chimney was a mass of flames. After a stubborn fight for a half hour, the blaze was extinguished.

The hotel is operated as a summer resort, and at the present is occupied by M. L. Warner and E. H. Ford.
The Bridgeport Telegram
Bridgeport, Connecticut
March 20, 1923

1938 - THE GREAT LONG ISLAND/NEW ENGLAND HURRICANE OF 1938
On September 21st, a full hurricane of unknown force was churning northward in the waters off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was expected to follow a normal path and gradually curve northeast away from land, and was thought to be moving at a normal speed. “Instead,” wrote David Ludlum, “it followed a congenial atmospheric trough of low pressure and accelerated from a normal 30 to 40 m.p.h. rate to a final dash toward land at a pace in excess of 60 m.p.h.” At 3 p.m. local time, this major hurricane crossed Bellport, Long Island, New York (where a barometric pressure of 27.94 inches was recorded), then moved out over Long Island Sound before making a second landfall near Milford, Connecticut. The storm then tracked to the west of New Haven and up the Connecticut Valley through Massachusetts and Vermont. Blue Hill, Massachusetts, had wind gusts to 186 m.p.h. Accompanying its passage was a massive forest blowdown, widespread floods, extreme coastal destruction, and a record tide that... Read MORE...

1949 - Highway Safety Commission Lists 1948 Freak Accidents - "Circus" Accident
...A circus touch was added to the list of freak accidents last November in Milford, when a car struck an esplanade, veered across the highway, mounted a sidewalk and retaining wall and turned a complete somersault, landing on four wheels. The driver received slight leg and shoulder bruises...
Naugatuck News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Wednesday, January 5, 1949

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Milford:
Silver Sands State Park: This beautiful beachfront park is one of Milford's main attractions. You can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the Long Island Sound, or take a walk along the boardwalk. There are also picnic areas and bird-watching opportunities, making it a perfect spot for a day outdoors.

Charles Island: Accessible by a sandbar at low tide from Silver Sands State Park, Charles Island is a fascinating place to explore. Legend has it that Captain Kidd buried his treasure here. Keep in mind that you need to time your visit with low tide to cross safely.

Downtown Milford: The town center is full of charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. Take a stroll along the historic streets, do some shopping, and enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries. You can also explore the Farmers' Market if you're in town during the summer.

Milford Audubon Center: If you're a nature lover, this center is a must-visit. It's located within the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center and offers... Read MORE...