History of Suffield, Connecticut, USA

1670 - Originally called Southfield, Suffield, CT was settled as a township of Massachusetts in 1670.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ suffield/

1749 - After being found to lie within the boundaries of the Connecticut Charter, Suffield was subsequently annexed to CT in 1749.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ suffield/

1819 - Suffield
Suffield is a post town, delightfully situated upon the west side of Connecticut river, 17 miles north from Hartford, and 10 south from Springfield; bounded on the north by Massachusetts, on the east by Connecticut river, which separates it from Enfield, on the south by Windsor and Granby and Southwick in Massachusetts. The average length of the township, from east to west, is about eight miles, and it is five in breadth, comprising about forty square 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

By the 1830s, the Connecticut Valley Broadleaf tobacco plant had been developed and Suffield's factories began producing 14 million cigars annually.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ suffield/

1839 - Suffield
Suffield, Connecticut
Hartford county. Suffield lies on the west side of Connecticut river, and is bounded N. by Massachusetts, to which state it was attached until 1752. This territory, 8 by 5 miles, was purchased about the year 1670, of two Indian Chiefs, for one hundred dollars. The surface on the banks of the river, are elevated, and although the town is without much alluvial meadow, the soil being a strong deep loam, is very fertile, and productive. Suffield contains some of the best farms in the state. It lies 16 miles N. from Hartford and 10 S. from Springfield. Population, 1830, 2,690.

The principal village is pleasantly located on rising ground; it contains many handsome buildings; it is the site of the "Connecticut Literary Institution," and commands delightful views of the river and circumjacent country.

Gideon Granger, post master general of the United States from 1801 to 1814, was born in Suffield in 1767. He died at Canandaigua, N.Y., in 1822.

Oliver Phelps,... Read MORE...

1854 - Suffield
Suffield, a post-village in Hartford co., Connecticut, 16 miles N. from Hartford, near the W. side of the Connecticut river, contains 2 or 3 churches, and the Connecticut Literary Institution, founded by the Baptists. Population of the township, 2962.
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.

1895 - Suffield
Always a conservative town was Suffield, and is now for that matter. So much so that its people actually bought the land it occupies of the Indians; and as a result not a person was killed within its limits during all the Indian wars that brought so much misery to the first settlers of New England. To be sure the price was not very large, being only thirty pounds; but as few if any of the Indians lived here, only using it for hunting ground, they were pleased with their bargain.

At first this territory, included in Springfield, was supposed to be within the Connecticut Colony, and Deputies were sent to its General Court. Later the people of Springfield concluded they were in Massachusetts, and applied to its General Court for protection. And still later, after Southfield (Suffield) had become separated from Springfield, its people petitioned for admission to the Connecticut Colony, which was granted in 1749.

The boundary between the Colonies was a subject of continued and bitter ... Read MORE...

1906
Suffield, a banking post-village in Suffield township (town), Hartford co., Conn., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 16 miles N. of Hartford. It has manufactures of tobacco and cigars. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3521; of the village, about 900.
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

Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Suffield:
Suffield Academy: Start your journey in Suffield by exploring the beautiful campus of Suffield Academy. This prestigious prep school is known for its picturesque buildings and well-maintained grounds. Take a leisurely walk around the campus and appreciate the historic architecture.

Suffield Green: The heart of Suffield is the town green. It's a lovely place for a stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing on a bench. You can also explore the historic homes surrounding the green.

Suffield Historical Society: For those interested in the town's history, the Suffield Historical Society is a must-visit. They have a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Suffield's past.

Bridge Street: This area of Suffield is full of quaint shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It's perfect for an afternoon of shopping and dining. Be sure to check out local stores for unique finds and souvenirs.

Kent Memorial Library: If you're a book lover, visit the Kent Memorial Library. It's not... Read MORE...