LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Guilford: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Guilford through the years.
1639 - Gulford, CT is settled
Originally called Menunkatucket, the Quinnipiac sold it, along with land stretching from present day Niantic to Branford, to Puritans led by Henry Whitfield. It was settled in 1639, renamed Guilford, and admitted to New Haven Colony in 1643.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ guilford/
1643 - First church built on the "green" in Guilford
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1743 - Protestant Episcopal Church built in Guilford
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1771 - (Guilford, CT) - St. Alban's Masonic lodge, F. A. & M. was instituted in 1771.
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
On May 23, 1777, Guilford residents raided the British provisions at Sag Harbor on Long Island for a key Revolutionary War victory.
1793 - (Guilford, CT) - When Nicholas Loysel, a Frenchman, learned of the beheading of King Louis XVI of France, he painted his house black. It remained that way for many years.
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1819 - Guilford
Guilford, and ancient and populous maritime post township, is situated upon Long-Island sound, 15 miles east of New-Haven, and 35 south from Hartford; bounded on the north by Durham, on the east by Hammonassett river, which separates it from Killingworth, on the south by Long Island sound, and on the west by Branford. Its mean length from north to south is about eleven miles, and its mean breadth nearly seven; comprising about 72 square miles. The surface and face of the country are various; on the border of the sound, are some tracts of alluvial; the interior is broken and rough, being rocky and hilly; and in some sections mountainous...
1838 - Guilford Methodist Church organized
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
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1839 - Guilford
Guilford, Connecticut
New Haven county. This town, the Menunkatuc of the Indians, was first settled in 1639. The town was settled by a party of Non-Conformists from England, at the head of which was the Rev. Henry Whitfield. Mr. Whitfield's house, built of stone, in 1640, is now standing, occupied, and in good repair. The cement used in building it is said to be harder than the stone itself. This building was used by the first settlers as a fort and place of refuge against the attacks of the natives. The first marriage in the town was solemnized in this building. The treat on the occasion was pork and peas. Guilford borough was incorporated in 1815. It is handsomely located two miles from Long Island Sound, on a tract of alluvial plain, and near a small stream called the Menunkatuc. The buildings in the borough are neat, but somewhat antiquated in their appearance.—Guilford is a place of resort for sea air and bathing. The accommodations are very good. The scenery in the vicinity of...
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1847 - The first iron foundry in Guilford was established at Jones' Bridge in 1847.
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1854 - Guilford
Guilford, a beautiful post-borough of New Haven county, Connecticut, near Long Island sound, and on the New Haven and New London railroad, 16 miles E. by S. from New Haven. In the centre is a fine square ornamented with shade trees. Fronting it are the churches, 2 Congregational, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist, the principal stores, and a hotel. The Point, about a mile S. of the village, is much resorted to in the summer months as a watering place. Guilford is the birthplace and present residence of Fitz Greene Halleck, one of our most eminent American poets. Population of the borough, about 2000 ; of the township, 2653.
1858 - Justice?
Justice must move very slowly in Guilford, Conn. Some six weeks ago, a girl was charged with stealing a diamond pin worth $100, and was committed to await her trial for the theft. The pin, which had not been stolen, but only lost, was found within ten days after the charge was made, and yet, it is stated, the girl still remains in jail.
Lowell Daily Citizen and News
Lowell, Massachusetts
September 07, 1858
1859 - Guilford Fair
The first Guilford Fair was held in the fall of 1859. It was run by the Guilford Agricultural Society.
1859
GUILFORD, a township in New Haven co., Connecticut, 52 m. S of Hartford. Pop. 2,421.
1868 - The oldest house in the United States
is believed, by some to be a stone edifice in Guilford, Conn. It was built in 1640, the stone being brought on hand-barrows from a ledge at some distance from the site of the building. The cement with which the walls were laid up is said to be harder than the stone itself. The first wedding in Guilford took place in this edifice, the supper provided being pork and beans.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
November 21, 1868
1869 - Fitz Greene Halleck Monument
The monument erected to the memory of Fitz Greene Halleck, at Guilford, Conn., was dedicated on the 8th, with appropriate ceremonies. About 3,000 persons were in attendance.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 17, 1869
1875 - Savings Bank founded in Guilford, CT
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1877 - Shore Line Sentinel (weekly newspaper) began publishing in Guilford
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1881 - The canning industry came to Guilford in 1881 with the opening of Sachem's Head Canning Company.
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1891 - Guilford Free Library constructed
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1894 - (Guilford, CT) - Charles H. Scholey purchased the Shore Line Times from Rev. E. M. Jerome of Fair Haven, and brought the newspaper operation to Guilford.
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1895 - Guilford
Guilford, a beautiful post-borough of New Haven co, Conn., in Guilford township, on Long Island Sound, and on the Shore Line Railroad, 16 miles E. of New Haven. It contains 5 churches, a savings-bank, the Guilford Institute, a newspaper office, &c. Guilford was the birthplace of Fitz-Greene Halleck. The township has 6 churches, an iron-foundry, and a manufactory of school-furniture. Pp. of the township in 1890, 2780.
1910 - Population of Guilford, CT is 3,001
A Modern History of New Haven and Eastern New Haven County, Volume 1 By Everett Gleason Hill
1916
Guilford, a banking post-borough of New Haven co., Conn., in Guilford township (town), on Long Island Sound and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 16 miles E. of New Haven. It has a foundry, wagon-wheel and canning-factories. Guilford was the birthplace of Fitz- Greene Halleck. Pop. in 1900, 1512 ; of the town, 2785.
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 Guilford:
Guilford Green:
Start your exploration in the heart of Guilford at the town green. It's a picturesque, historical area surrounded by shops and restaurants. It's also a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Henry Whitfield State Museum:
Visit the Henry Whitfield State Museum, the oldest stone house in New England. This 17th-century house provides insight into the early colonial history of the region.
Bishop's Orchards:
Enjoy a quintessential New England experience at Bishop's Orchards. Depending on the season, you can pick your own fruits, taste fresh cider, or explore the farm market.
Guilford Art Center:
If you appreciate art, Guilford Art Center is a must-visit. It often features exhibits and workshops showcasing the work of local and regional artists.
Jacobs Beach:
Spend a relaxing day at Jacobs Beach. It's a beautiful sandy spot along the Long Island Sound, perfect for picnics, swimming, or simply enjoying the view.
Chaffinch Island...
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