History of Wethersfield, Connecticut, USA

1634 - Wethersfield Beginnings
The English establish a settlement, under Captain John Oldham, south of the Dutch trading post at Hartford. This site later becomes the Town of Wethersfield.
Connecticut Society of Genealogists - Timeline of Connecticut History

Read more about John OLDHAM

1781 - Meeting
Washington and Rochambeau confer at Webb House in Wethersfield.
Timeline of Connecticut History (ctfamilyhistory.com)
Creating Connecticut: Critical Moments That Shaped a Great State

Read more about George WASHINGTON

1787 - August 15 - Tornadoes were reported in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Wethersfield CT was hard hit by the tornado outbreak.

WeatherForYou.com

1819 - Wethersfield
Wethersfield, an ancient and populous town, is situated on the west side of Connecticut river, four miles south of Hartford, and 34 north of New-Haven. It is bounded north by Hartford, south by Middletown and Berlin, west by Farmington and Berlin, and east by Connecticut river, which separates it from Glastenbury...
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 - Wethersfield
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Hartford county. This town, the Indian Pyquag, was one of the first settled towns in the state. It is supposed that most of the Wethersfield settlers came round from Boston by water and arrived in July, before the Windsor and Hartford settlers, who came through the wilderness, and did not reach the Connecticut until about the 9th of November.

Wethersfield is bounded N. by Hartford, E. by Connecticut river, S. by Middletown, and W. by Berlin. It lies 4 miles S. from Hartford. Population, in 1820, 3,825; in 1830, 3,853.

Piper's river and other small streams water the town, but afford no important mill sites.

The area of the town is about 6 miles square, containing 23,000 acres. This is an excellent township of land, having an undulating surface, and exhibiting a beautiful diversity of hill and dale. The soil is generally a rich gravelly and sandy loam, but in the western part of the town, argillaceous loam prevails; and some small sections in the... Read MORE...

1854 - Wethersfield
Wethersfield. a post-township of Hartford co., Connecticut, on the right bank of Connecticut river, about 3 1/ 2 miles S. from Hartford. Large quantities of onions and some tobacco are raised here for exportation. The village stands in a beautiful plain bordering the river, and has broad streets finely shaded with elms. It contains 3 churches, an academy, a female seminary, and a number of handsome dwellings. Wethersfield is the seat of the Conneciicut State Prison.
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.

1874 - DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN.
Mrs. Abigail Broadbent, of Wethersfield, Conn., whose one hundredth birthday was celebrated in June last, died Tuesday night, after a brief illness. The Hartford Times of the 28th says: "Mrs. Broadbent was born on the 6th of June, 1773, and at the time of her death was 100 years and nearly eight months old. During her long life she has enjoyed almost uninterrupted good health, scarcely ever having seen a sick day. On Friday last she had a slight cold, but nothing serious was anticipated, as she appeared to be better on Saturday. But yesterday it was found that she was failing, though she seemed to be as talkative as ever. She chatted with one of her grandsons about his tobacco, and was quite cheerful through the day. Some of her friends called to see her, and she wanted to know if there was to be a party. She was told that they came expressly to see her; and she wondered at it, because she did not consider herself very sick. In fact she insisted on being up yesterday, although her... Read MORE...

1875 - "Onion-Town"
Wethersfield, Conn., sometimes called Onion-town, derived its nickname from the fact that a church bell hung in 1775 was paid for by contributions of onions from the parishioners.
genealogybank.com
Jamestown Journal
New York
November 26, 1875

1895 - Wethersfield
Weth'ersfield, a post-village in Wethersfield town ship, Hartford co., Conn., on a plain on the W. bank of the Connecticut River, and on the Connecticut Valley Railroad, 33 miles S. of Hartford. The Connecticut state prison is located here. The village has 3 churches, and manufactures of hosiery, &c. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2271.
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
Wethersfield, a post-village in Wethersfield township (town), Hartford co., Conn., on a plain on the W. bank of the Connecticut River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 3 1/ 2 miles S. of Hartford. The town has manufactures of office specialties, shoes, and overalls. Wethersfield was settled about 1634. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2637.
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

1914 - New Trial for Mrs. Bessie J. Wakefield
WETHERSFIELD, Conn., April 16. - Mrs. Bessie J. Wakefield was awakened from a sound sleep late to-night and informed by the prison matron that a new trial had been granted to her.

"Is it really true?" she asked. Being reassured, she cried: "Thank the Lord!" Then she broke down, sobbing hysterically.

Mrs. Wakefield and James Plew were sentenced on Nov. 5 last to be hanged for the murder of William Wakefield, the woman's husband. They were sentenced to die on March 4. Plew was hanged on that day in the State prison at Wethersfield. In the case of the woman, an appeal was taken and that acted as a stay of execution.

Plew and Mrs. Wakefield, it was alleged, formed a plot to murder Wakefield so that they could marry. Plew attempted to kill Wakefield at the Wakefield home on June 22 last. This attempt failed. The evidence indicated that later, on a Sunday afternoon, when Plew called he started a dispute with Wakefield, according to a plan that had been arranged by himself and the... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Wethersfield:
Wethersfield Cove: This scenic area along the Connecticut River is perfect for a leisurely stroll, fishing, or a picnic. The Cove provides beautiful water views and is an excellent spot to watch boats passing by.

Wethersfield Farmers' Market: If you're visiting during the warmer months, don't miss the chance to explore the town's farmers' market. You can find fresh produce, local goods, and even handmade crafts.

Wethersfield Historical Society: Wethersfield is rich in history, and the Historical Society offers a glimpse into the town's past. The Keeney Memorial Cultural Center features exhibits, artifacts, and guided tours of historic homes in the area.

Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum: This museum complex comprises three beautifully preserved historic houses. It's a fantastic place to learn about Colonial and early American history. You can take guided tours and experience life as it was in the 18th century.

Wethersfield Heritage Walk: This self-guided walking tour takes you... Read MORE...