History of Colchester, Connecticut, USA

1703 - (Colchester, CT) - Settled by the English in 1698 in an area known as Jeremiah’s Farms, Colchester received permission from the Colony’s General Assembly to organize as an ecclesiastical society in 1703.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ colchester/

1819 - Colchester
Colchester is a post township situated in the northwestern extremity of the county, 23 miles from Hartford, and 40 from New-Haven; bounded on the north by Marlborough and Hebron, the former in Hartford, and the latter in Tolland county, on the east by Lebanon and Bozrah, the former in Windham county, on the south by Montville and Lyme, and on the west by East-Haddam and Chatham in Middlesex county; so that the township borders upon four different counties, and eight different towns. Its average length is about 9 miles, and its average breadth nearly 6 miles, comprising an area of about 50 square miles. The face of the country is uneven, being considerably hilly, and is somewhat rough and stony; the prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, and generally hard and course, but tolerably strong and fertile...
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 - Colchester
Colchester, Connecticut
New London county. This is a pleasant town, the site of Bacon academy. It lies 20 miles N.W. from New London and 23 S.E. from Hartford. First settled, 1701. Population, 1830, 2,068. The surface of the town is uneven, with a strong gravelly soil. Excellent iron ore is found here.

Rev. John Bulkley, a grandson of president Chauncey, was the first settled minister in this place. Mr. Bulkley was a very distinguished scholar. He died in 1731. He published a curious treatise, in which he contended that the Indians had no just claim to any lands but such as they had subdued and improved by their own labor. Th following story is told in an old book.

"The Rev. Mr. Bulkley of Colchester, Conn., was famous in his day as a casuist and sage counsellor. A church in his neighborhood had fallen into unhappy divisions and contentions, which they were unable to adjust among themselves. They deputed one of their number to the venerable Bulkley, for his services, with a... Read MORE...

1854 - Colchester
Colchester, a beautiful post-village of New London co., Connecticut, 20 miles N. W. of New London. It is the seat of Bacon Academy, an old and liberally endowed institution. Population of the township, 2405.
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
COLCHESTER, a township of New London co., in the state of Connecticut, 24 m. SSE of Hartford, watered by Salmon river. It presents a hilly surface. Its soil ia a fertile gravelly loam. Pop. 2,101.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Colchester / Westchester
Colchester, köl'ches-ter, a post-borough of New Lon don co., Conn., in Colchester township, about 25 miles S.E. of Hartford, and 14 miles W. of Norwich. It is 3 miles from the Air-Line Railroad, with which it is connected by the Colchester Railroad, extending to Turnerville. It contains the Bacon Academy, which is liberally endowed, and 5 churches, and has manufactures of india-rubber goods, cradles, wheels, and spokes. Pop. of the township, 2988. The township contains a hamlet named Westchester.
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

1916
Colchester, a banking post-borough of New London co., Conn., in Colchester township (town), 25 miles SE. of Hartford. Pop. in 1900, 858 ; of the town, 1991.
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

1949 - Highway Safety Commission Lists 1948 Freak Accidents - Sanded
...the sand man occasionally awakens sleepers as a Willimantic man can testify. He was asleep in the rear seat of a car which was being driven in Colchester last February when highway department workers were spreading sand on slippery highways. The car in which he was sleeping was driven past the sand truck just as an employe tossed out a shovel full of sand. The sand hit the windshield, broke it and the flying glass cut the innocent sleeper...
Naugatuck News
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Wednesday, January 5, 1949

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Colchester:
Colchester Historical Society:

Explore the rich history of Colchester at the Colchester Historical Society. They often have exhibits and events that showcase the town's past.

Day Pond State Park:

If you're into outdoor activities, Day Pond State Park is a great spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The serene pond and surrounding trails make it a peaceful escape.

Priam Vineyards:

For wine enthusiasts, Priam Vineyards is a fantastic place to sample local wines. The vineyard often hosts events and live music, creating a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing day.

Airline State Park Trail:

Take a stroll, jog, or bike ride along the Airline State Park Trail. This scenic trail follows the path of the old Air Line Railroad and provides a beautiful route through nature.

Cohen Woodlands:

Another gem for nature lovers, Cohen Woodlands offers hiking trails that wind through beautiful wooded areas. It's a great place to reconnect with nature and enjoy the fresh... Read MORE...