History of Bethel, Connecticut, USA

1759 - (Bethel, CT) - Settled as part of Danbury in 1685, the parish of Bethel, which took its name in 1759 for the Hebrew term meaning “House of God” .

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bethel/

1839 - Bethel
Bethel, Connecticut
Fairfield county. This is a pleasant and flourishing village, in the town of Danbury, and about 3 miles N.W. from the centre of that town. There are about fifty dwelling houses in the village, and about thirty work shops or factories. The manufacture of hats and combs is the principal business of the place, and large quantities of both are annually transported to Boston, New York, and other places.
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 - Bethel
Bethel, a flourishing post-village in Danbury township, Fairfield county, Connecticut, about 25 miles N. W. by W. from New Haven. The principal articles of manufacture are hats and combs. It contains 1 bank.
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.

1855 - Bethel, CT incorporated as a town

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ bethel/

1868 - Bethel, Conn., has eighty septuagenarians in a population of 2,000.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 2, 1868

1868 - A ball was recently held in Bethel, Conn., and during the evening a 200 pound hog was thrust into the door by some of the jealous un-invited ones.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 22, 1868

1869 - A Bethel, Conn., telegram of the 2d says fifteen lives were lost by the flood of the day previous.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 13, 1869

1895 - Bethel
Bethel, a post-village of Fairfield co, Conn., in Bethel township, and on the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad, at its junction with the Shepaug Railroad, 3 miles S.E. of Dan bury, and about 28 miles W. by N. from New Haven. It has a graded school, 3 churches, and extensive manufactures of hats, boots, shoes, tin-ware, and bandboxes. Pop. of the village in 1890, 2335; of the township, 3401.
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
Bethel, a post-borough of Fairfield co., Conn., in Bethel township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 3 miles SE. of Danbury. It has extensive manufactures of hats, silks, paper boxes, etc. Pop. of the borough in 1900, 2561 ; of the town, 3327.
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

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for new experiences or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Bethel:
Putnam Memorial State Park:

Kick off your Bethel adventure with a visit to Putnam Memorial State Park. It's not only a beautiful spot for a picnic but also holds historical significance as the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment in 1778-1779.

Bethel Cinema:

Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Bethel Cinema. This independent theater screens a mix of mainstream, indie, and foreign films. It's a great place for movie lovers looking for a more intimate cinema experience.

Huntington State Park:

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Huntington State Park. With hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful scenery, it's a great place to spend a day outdoors. In the warmer months, consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in this serene setting.

Byrd's Books:

Bookworms shouldn't miss Byrd's Books. It's a charming independent bookstore that not only offers a great selection of books but also hosts author events and other literary activities.

Stony Hill... Read MORE...