History of Enfield, Connecticut, USA

Enfield was settled in 1679 by settlers from Salem, Massachusetts.

wikipedia.org

1683 - Enfield named and incorporated as a part of Massachusetts in 1683

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ enfield/

1749 - Following a boundary dispute settlement (with Massachusetts), Enfield became part of Connecticut in 1749.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ enfield/

Enfield's third meeting house (church) was dedicated January 1, 1775 and was soon to be the site of one of Enfield's most historic events.
Tradition has it that on Thursday, April 20, 1775 Reverend Elam Potter's regular Thursday sermon was interrupted by Private (later Captain) Thomas Abbey pounding on his drum as he marched around the meeting house. War had broken out in Boston! Seventy four volunteers led by Major Nathaniel Terry marched for Boston the next day.
www.enfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ EHShistory.html

In 1793, a historic Shaker village, Enfield Shaker village, one of nineteen scattered from Maine to Kentucky, was established in the town.
The Utopian religious sect practiced celibate, communal living, and is today renowned for its simple architecture and furniture. Membership eventually dwindled, however, and the village disbanded.
wikipedia.org

1819 - Enfield
Enfield, a post town, is situated in the northeast corner of the county, on the east side of Connecticut river; being 16 miles from Hartford, and 50 from New Haven. It is bounded on the north by Long-Meadow, in Massachusetts, east by Somers, in Tolland county, south by East-Windsor, and west by Connecticut river, which separates it from Suffield.

It is nearly six miles in length from north to south, and five and a half in breadth, from east to west comprising about 33 square miles or 21,120 acres. The township is generally of a level surface, excepting the borders of the Connecticut, which are elevated and romantic. The soil is a light, sandy loam, very feasible and generally fertile; there are some small sections of pine plains, and some tracts of clay or argillaceous loam. The natural growth of the forests is Walnut, Oak, of the various kinds, Maple, Elm, Chesnut, Butternut, various shrubs, and on the plains, yellow pine; there are a considerable number of forests in the town,... Read MORE...

(Enfield) Orrin Thompson established the first carpet mill on Freshwater (also known as Asnuntuck) Brook in 1828.

www.enfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ EHShistory.html

(Enfield) In 1835 Allen Loomis built a small black powder (gunpowder) mill in Powder Hollow in Scitico.
In 1836 he and several partners formed Loomis, Denslow and Company. In 1837 Augustus Hazard joined the firm and quickly became the driving force behind the gunpowder industry in Enfield.
www.enfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ EHShistory.html

1839 - Enfield
Enfield, Connecticut
Hartford county. This town was first settled, 1681, by emigrants from Salem, Mass.: it formerly belonged to Mass. and was a part of Springfield. The first bridge across the Connecticut river was built in 1808, connecting Enfield with Suffield. The surface is generally level and the soil moist and fertile. The street, where most of the inhabitants reside, is very pleasant, wide, and well shaded. The village near the river was commenced abobut 1831, at which the manufacture of carpeting is extensively pursued. About 120 looms are employed, making about 800 yeards daily. The manufacture of ploughs is also an important pursuit in Enfield. It is watered by Scantick river. Population, 1830, 2,129. It is 18 miles N. from Hartford and 8 S. from Springfield, Mass.
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 - Enfield
Enfield, a post-village of Hartford county, Connecticut, on the left bank of the Connecticut river, where it is crossed by the New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield railroad, 14 miles N. by E. from Hartford. A bridge, the first erected across this stream in the state, connects it with Suffield. A canal, 5 1/ 2 miles in length, has been constructed ground the falls in the Connecticut, opposite the village. Population of the township, 4400.
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.

1859
ENFIELD, a township in Hartford co., in Connecticut, 18 m. N by E of Hartford. Pop. 2,648.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Enfield / Thompsonville / Hazardville
En’field, a post-village of Hartford co., Conn., about 16 miles N. of Hartford, near the east bank of the Connecticut River, here crossed by a bridge, and near the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, £ through En field township. It has a high school and several churches. The township contains villages named Thompsonville and Hazardville, and has a community of Shakers. Pop. of the township, in 1890, 71.99.
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

January 14, 1913 - Gunpowder factory in Enfield exploded, destroying most of the plant.

www.enfieldhistoricalsociety.org/ EHShistory.html

1916
Enfield, a post- village and township (town) of Hartford co., Conn., about 16 miles N. of Hartford, near the E. bank of the Connecticut River, here crossed by a bridge, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. The town has a community of Shakers (at Shaker Station) and manufactures of carpets, powder, bicycles, undertakers' supplies, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 6696 ; of the village, about 1000.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Enfield:
Mark Twain House & Museum: While technically located in Hartford, this iconic literary landmark is just a short drive away. Explore the former home of the famous author, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), and learn about his life and works.

Enfield Shaker Museum: Dive into the rich history of the Shaker community at this fascinating museum. Explore their unique way of life through exhibits, workshops, and guided tours.

Connecticut Trolley Museum: Take a step back in time at this museum, which houses a collection of vintage trolleys and offers rides on restored trolley cars. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Powder Hollow Park: Enjoy the great outdoors at this beautiful park, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.

Scantic River State Park: If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll love Scantic River State Park. It's an excellent place for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation... Read MORE...