History of Canaan, Connecticut, USA

In 1738 the area now known as Canaan—and also as Falls Village to its residents—was sold at auction in New London as part of the Western Lands sale.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ canaan/

1819 - Canaan
Canaan, a considerable post township, is situated in the northwestern section of the county, 41 miles northwest from Hartford; bounded on the north by Massachusetts line, on the east by Norfolk, on the south by Cornwall, and on the west by the Ousatnick river, which divides it from Salisbury.

The township comprises an area of about 50 square miles; having an average length from north to south of about 9 miles, and a mean breadth of nearly 6 miles...
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 - Canaan
Canaan, Connecticut
Litchfield county. First settled in 1738. Incorporated 1739. Canaan lies 41 miles N.W. from Hartford, and 18 N.N.W. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 2,301. The town lies on the E. side of Housatonick river, opposite to Salisbury. A ledge of limestone rocks crosses the river at this place, about 30 rods in length, causing a perpendicular fall of 60 feet. The river is rapid, both above and below this beautiful cataract. The whole descent of the river, in Canaan, is about 130 feet, "nobly arranged and distributed, and comprehending a remarkable variety of beauty and grandeur." The township is mountainous, with some arable land along the streams. About 4,000 sheep are kept here. This section of country is noted for its excellent mutton. Limestone and iron ore are abundant; the latter is of a very fine quality. Iron works, on an extensive scale, are established here; a satinet factory and other machinery.
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 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-township of Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the Housatonic railroad, about 35 miles N. W. by W. from Hartford. Population, 2627.
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.

1858 - Accident
At Canaan, Ct., on the 17th, a bright little boy of eight years, son of Edwin Ives, while playing about his father's factory, was caught in a belt, and instantly carried over a shaft revolving with great velocity, horribly mangling his body. He lived but two hours after the accident.
genealogybank.com
Sun
Massachusetts
September 30, 1858

1859
CANAAN, a township of Litchfield co., in the state of Connecticut, 42 m. NW of Hartford. Pop. 2,166.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Canaan
Canaan, a post-village of Litchfield co, Conn., in North Canaan township, on the Housatonic River, and on the Connecticut Western Railroad where it crosses the Housatonic Railroad, 73 miles N. of Bridgeport, and 55 miles W.N.W. of Hartford. It has a savings-bank and a newspaper office. The township has 4 churches, 3 furnaces for pig-iron, a quarry of white marble, and 6 lime-kilns.
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

1896 - IN A BURNING CAR.
Narrow Escape of Four Railroad Men Last Night.

Canaan, Conn., Jan. 9. - Word was received here this noon that the crew of the West End local freight train on the Philadelphia, Reading and New England Road, running between this place and may brook, N. Y, the western terminus of the road, had narrow escapes from death at that place early this morning. The men, four in number, have a coach fitted up for sleeping purposes, with bunks on each side and a stove in one end. A rousing fire was built last night in the stove to keep our the cold, and the men went to sleep.

At 3 o'clock they were awakened by the smell of smoke, which filled the car. Flames were spreading around them, and escape was all but cut off. They finally succeeded in leaving the car in their night clothes, all four being badly burned. Brakeman Michael McGuire was seriously burned and it is feared will not recover. George Blake, of this place, James Keenan and Samuel Drum, the other occupants of the car, were badly... Read MORE...

1903 - BURGLARS TURN INCENDIARIES.
In Blowing Open Canaan (Conn.) Post Office Safe They Start a $10,000 Fire and Escape.

Special to The New York Times.

DERBY, Conn., March 3. - In a bold raid by burglars at 3 o'clock this morning in Canaan, this State, not only was the Canaan Post Office robbed of $1,000, but the building in which it was located, containing also the Canaan Savings Bank and R. F. Collin's jewelry store, was destroyed by fire, a nearby dwelling partially destroyed, a livery stable, a car barn, and a dwelling house robbed, and attempts made to rob two other buildings. Then, by driving across country at a terrific pace, the burglars reached Winsted in time to escape aboard a train for New York.

The burglars, of whom there were three, walked from Ashley Falls, Mass. There they had entered the house of John Turner, taking clothing and food. They also attempted to enter the residence of Arthur Parson and the general store of Frank Smith, but were frightened off. On entering Canaan they broke into the ... Read MORE...

1913 - COLLISION ON NEW HAVEN.
Eight Passengers Hurt, One Mortally, in Wreck at Canaan.
Special to The New York Times.

CANAAN, Conn., June 23. - Two milk cars shunted against a passenger coach on the New Haven Road a the station here at 2 o'clock this afternoon, sent the coach crashing into a local freight train of the Central New England Road, as the latter was backing over a crossover. One aged woman was seriously injured, and six other persons sustained injuries more or less painful.

The milk train was bound from Pittsfield, Mass., to Bridgeport, Conn., and the freight train was going from Canaan to Winsted. The milk train locomotive ran past the station to pick up two milk cars, shunted back, struck the passenger coach with such force as to send it against the freight. It is reported that faulty brakes or faulty braking was the cause of the accident. The passenger car was overturned and badly crushed, while one of the cars of the freight train was practically demolished.

Mrs. Frank M. Olin, 86, of... Read MORE...

1916
Canaan, ka'nan, a post-township (town) of Litchfield co.. Conn., on the Housatonic River. Pop. in 1900, 820.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1923 - BRAKEMAN FALLS TO HIS DEATH IN CANAAN, CONN.
CANAAN, Conn. June 6 - Nicholas Mathias, 30, a brakeman on the Central New England railroad was killed today on a siding near the Connecticut Lime Co plant. He was climbing to the roof of a box car when he fell under the wheels. He leaves a wife and a child.
The Bridgeport Telegram
Bridgeport, Connecticut
June 7, 1923

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Canaan. Here's a list to get you started:
Scenic Drive on Route 7: Start your journey with a scenic drive along Route 7, which runs through Canaan. The road offers beautiful views of the Housatonic River and lush countryside.

Housatonic River: Enjoy some fishing, kayaking, or simply relax by the serene Housatonic River. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Appalachian Trail: Canaan is home to a section of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hike a portion of this iconic trail and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Lime Rock Park: If you're a motorsports fan, Lime Rock Park is a must-visit. It's one of the most historic road racing tracks in the country, hosting various racing events throughout the year.

Great Falls: Explore the Great Falls, a lovely natural attraction. The falls are particularly impressive during the spring thaw or after a heavy rain, offering a spectacular view.

Housatonic Railroad Company: History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Housatonic Railroad... Read MORE...