History of Woodbridge, Connecticut, USA

1650 - Richard Sperry, Ralph Lines, and other settlers from New Haven take up residence in what is now southeast Woodbridge.

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

Read more about Richard SPERRY

In 1661, the town (present day Woodbridge) was the location of one of the hideouts of the "Regicides" — three of the judges who signed the death warrant for King Charles I of England.

wikipedia.org

1734 – Settlers in area northwest of New Haven, now Woodbridge but then called Chestnut Hill, receive winter preaching privileges because of the difficulty of traveling to New Haven.

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

1738 – Amity Parish is incorporated by the General Assembly of the Connecticut Colony. The Parish territory includes most of the present townships of Bethany and Woodbridge.

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

1742 – Amity Parish Congregational Meetinghouse is built on what is now the Woodbridge Town Green; Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge is the first minister.

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

1836 - Woodbridge
WOODBRIDGE was incorporated as a town in 1784. It was original ly a parish by the name of Amity, which was formedfrom the towns of New Haven and Milford. It is bounded N. by Bethany, E. by Hamden, S. by New Haven and Orange, and W. by Derby. Its average length is about five miles, and its breadth about four. The soil is a hard gravelly loam, and affords good grazing; andiarge quantities of butter are made in this town for the New Haven market. The principal stream is the West river, which runs on the west side of the West Rock, a range of mountains on the eastern border of this town. The central part of the town is about six miles from New Haven.

Amity was constituted a parish in 1739. The town was named fron3 the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the first cleryman who was ordained here in 1742 The house in which he lived is still standing, and is about 100 rods south east from the Congregational Church, now occu pied by the widow and children of Mr. Daniel T. Smith. Mr. Woodbridge... Read MORE...

1839 - Woodbridge
Woodbridge, Ct.

New Haven co. The territory of this town belonged to the towns of New Haven and Milford, and was called the parish of "Amity," from 1739, until its incorporation in 1784. West river runs on the west side of West Rock, a range of mountains on the eastern border of the town. The surface of the town is hilly, but the soil is excellent for grazing, and much butter and cheese is annually taken to New Haven market, from which it lies 6 miles S.W. Population, in 1830, 844.

The regicides, Goffe and Whalley, had a number of places of concealment in the limits of Woodbridge, the most noted of which is Hatchet Harbor or the Lodge, near a beautiful spring, in a valley, about 7 miles from New Haven.

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 - Woodbridge
Woodbridge, a township in New Haven Co., Connecticut, 6 miles N. W. from New Haven. Population, 912.
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 - Strange Fire
The wife of a hard working German farmer at Woodbridge, Conn., during her husband's absence last Saturday, accidentally set her clothes on fire. She rushed to the stable and threw herself on to the hay, in the vain hope of extinguishing the flames. The stable was set on fire and consumed, and the woman ended her misery by jumping into a well.
genealogybank.com
New Hampshire Sentinel
New Hampshire
October 10, 1878

1895 - Woodbridge
Woodbridge, a township of New Haven co., Conn., 6 miles N.W. of New Haven. Pop. 830.
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
Woodbridge, a township (town) of New Haven co., Conn., 6 miles NW. of New Haven. Pop. in 1900, 852.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Woodbridge:
Massaro Community Farm:
This community-supported farm is a gem in Woodbridge. You can visit to learn about sustainable farming practices, buy fresh produce, and even participate in their various events and workshops.

Pease Place Park:
A lovely park with walking trails, a pond, and picnic areas, Pease Place Park is a great spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or bird-watching.

Woodbridge Green Historic District:
Take a step back in time and explore the historic district of Woodbridge Green. You'll find beautifully preserved colonial homes and buildings that offer a glimpse into the town's rich history.

Litchfield Jazz Festival:
If you're visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the Litchfield Jazz Festival. While it's not in Woodbridge itself, it's a short drive away and features fantastic performances from local and international jazz artists.

Woodbridge Town Library:
If you're a bookworm or just looking for a quiet place to read, the Woodbridge Town... Read MORE...