History of Ashford, Connecticut, USA

Formerly New Scituate, Ashford was settled in 1710

wikipedia.org

Ashford was incorporated as a town in October of 1714

wikipedia.org

In 1797, traffic increased with the Boston Turnpike Company’s construction of the Boston and Hartford Turnpike. The turnpike began in East Hartford and made its way through Ashford and West Ashford before winding its way to Boston.

http://connecticuthistory.org/the-path-to-ashfords-progress/

In 1809, the Tolland County Turnpike Company received its charter and began work on the Tolland County Turnpike, which opened about a year later.
Its route carried travelers through Ellington, Tolland, and Willington to the Boston Turnpike in Ashford. Together, these turnpikes produced a steady stream of farmers and traders moving through the area.
http://connecticuthistory.org/the-path-to-ashfords-progress/

1839 - Ashford
Ashford, Connecticut
Windham county. This town was first settled in 1710. It is watered by several small streams which afford a water power for one cotton and three woolen factories. The surface of the town is rough and stony, but excellent for grazing. The number of sheep in this town is about 5,000. It lies 31 miles E. from Hartford, and 14 N.W. from Brooklyn. Population, 1830, 2,660. The following is said to have occurred in this town, and is told to illustrate the manners and customs of ancient times. "A concourse of people were assembled on the hill in front of the meeting house to witness the punishment of a man who had been convicted of neglecting to go to meeting on the Sabbath for a period of three months. According to the existing law for such delinquency, the culprit was to be publicly whipped at the post. Just as the whip was about to be applied, a stranger on horseback appeared, rode up to the crowd of spectators, and enquired for what purpose they were assembled. Being... Read MORE...

1854 - Ashford
Ashford, a post-township of Windham county, Connecticut, 80 miles E. by N. of Hartford ; the soil is rough and rocky, but well adapted to grazing. Population, 1296.
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.

In 1857, 13 stockholders invested $18,000 to form the Westford Glass Company—Ashford’s largest and most famous business enterprise.
Located on Waterfall Road, the company made some of the most recognizable bottles, jars, and flasks of the era, and positioned itself to become part of a fledgling business that extended throughout a number of major cities in the Northeast.
http://connecticuthistory.org/ashfords-glass-from-the-past/

1895 - Ashford
Ash'ford, a Post village and township of Windham co., Conn., 32 miles E.N.E. of Hartford. It has 4 churches and the Ashford Academy. General Nathaniel Lyon was born here. Pop. 1241.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Ashford, Connecticut.
1. Bigelow Hollow State Park:
Bigelow Hollow State Park is a nature lover's paradise. This 516-acre park features Bigelow Pond, which is great for swimming, fishing, and boating. There are also numerous hiking trails that lead you through dense forests, offering stunning views of the pond and its surroundings. Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely day in this scenic park.

2. Natchaug State Forest:
Located adjacent to Bigelow Hollow State Park, Natchaug State Forest expands your outdoor adventure options. It covers more than 13,000 acres and offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation opportunities. The Natchaug Trail is a popular hiking route that takes you through beautiful wooded areas.

3. Yale-Myers Forest:
Yale-Myers Forest is a research and teaching forest operated by Yale University. While it's not a public park, they do offer educational programs and guided tours. Check their schedule to see if you can join a tour and learn more about the local... Read MORE...