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History of Salisbury, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Salisbury, Connecticut, USA
(Lakeville)
Explore Salisbury, Connecticut, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Salisbury Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Salisbury, Litchfield, Connecticut, USA
In 1803, the first tax-supported town library was established in Salisbury.
Salisbury was famous for its iron ore. The iron was used to make the largest Civil War cannon, as well as muskets made by Eli Whitney and phonograph needles used by Thomas Edison.
courant.com
Lakeville is a village in the town of Salisbury, on Lake Wononskopomuc.
Explore even more about Salisbury, Connecticut, USA. Keep reading!
Salisbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Salisbury


Connecticut Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History
Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

Savin Rock, Connecticut Memories Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug
Introducing the Memories of Savin Rock ceramic postcard mug, a charming tribute to the iconic amusement park in Connecticut! This 11-ounce ceramic coffee mug is a delightful blend of nostalgia and functionality. Featuring a vintage-inspired design, the mug showcases iconic images and landmarks from Savin Rock amusement park, evoking fond memories of days gone by.

My Connecticut Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition
Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Salisbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Incorporated in 1741, Salisbury, CT, rich with iron ore, focused its early industry on mining.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ salisbury/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ salisbury/
On April 9, 1810, a Salisbury town meeting voted to authorize the "selectmen draw upon the town treasurer for the sum of one hundred dollars"
to purchase more books for the Scoville Memorial Library collection, making the library the first publicly supported free town library in the United States.
50states.com
to purchase more books for the Scoville Memorial Library collection, making the library the first publicly supported free town library in the United States.
50states.com
1819 - Salisbury
Salisbury is a considerable and flourishing post township, situated in the northwest corner of the county and State, 47 miles from Hartford, and 60 from New-Haven; bounded on the north by Mount Washington and Sheffield, in Massachusetts, on the east by the Ousatonick river, which separates it from Canaan, on the south by Sharon, and on the west by the State of New-York. Its average length is 9 miles, and its average breadth about 6 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 58 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
Salisbury is a considerable and flourishing post township, situated in the northwest corner of the county and State, 47 miles from Hartford, and 60 from New-Haven; bounded on the north by Mount Washington and Sheffield, in Massachusetts, on the east by the Ousatonick river, which separates it from Canaan, on the south by Sharon, and on the west by the State of New-York. Its average length is 9 miles, and its average breadth about 6 and a half miles, comprising an area of about 58 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
1839 - Salisbury
Salisbury, Connecticut
Litchfield county. The Housatonick and Salmon rivers give this town a great and constant water power. The surface of Salisbury is formed by lofty elevations and deep valleys; but the soil is excellent for all sorts of grain and pasturage. The valleys are generally limestone and the hills granite. The number of sheep kept here in 1837, was 8,999.
"Salisbury Centre," a pleasant village, is 58 miles N.W. from New Haven, 50 W.N.W. from Hartford, 22 N.W. from Litchfield, and 34 N.W. by W. from Hudson, N.Y. Population, 1830, 2,580. The Indian name of the town was Weatog. It was first settled by the whites in 1720.
Salisbury has long been celebrated for its excellent iron ore and iron manufactures. The guns on board our favorite frigate, "Old Iron Sides," used by Truxton in the capture of the L'Insurgente, were made at the old furnace in Salsbury.
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
Salisbury, Connecticut
Litchfield county. The Housatonick and Salmon rivers give this town a great and constant water power. The surface of Salisbury is formed by lofty elevations and deep valleys; but the soil is excellent for all sorts of grain and pasturage. The valleys are generally limestone and the hills granite. The number of sheep kept here in 1837, was 8,999.
"Salisbury Centre," a pleasant village, is 58 miles N.W. from New Haven, 50 W.N.W. from Hartford, 22 N.W. from Litchfield, and 34 N.W. by W. from Hudson, N.Y. Population, 1830, 2,580. The Indian name of the town was Weatog. It was first settled by the whites in 1720.
Salisbury has long been celebrated for its excellent iron ore and iron manufactures. The guns on board our favorite frigate, "Old Iron Sides," used by Truxton in the capture of the L'Insurgente, were made at the old furnace in Salsbury.
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
Holley Manufacturing Co., famous for its pocket knives, was opened in Salisbury in 1844 by Alexander Hamilton Holley.
courant.com
courant.com
1854 - Salisbury
Salisbury, a post-township in Litchfield co., Connecticut, intersected by the Hudson and Berkshire railroad, 50 miles W. N. W. from Hartford. It contains extensive beds of excellent iron ore, and several large establishments for working iron. Pop., 3103.
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.
Salisbury, a post-township in Litchfield co., Connecticut, intersected by the Hudson and Berkshire railroad, 50 miles W. N. W. from Hartford. It contains extensive beds of excellent iron ore, and several large establishments for working iron. Pop., 3103.
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 - Salisbury / Chapinville / Lakeville / Lime Rock / Ore Hill
Salisbury, a post-township of Litchfield co, Conn, forms the N.W. extremity of the state, and is bounded on the E. by the Housatonic River. Its surface is diversified by beautiful lakes, fertile valleys, and cultivated hills, which present very attractive scenery. It has beds of excellent hematite iron ore, also 2 blast-furnaces, an iron foundry, 2 woollen-mills, a machine-shop of the Housatonic Railroad, and 5 churches. It contains villages named Salisbury, Chapinville, Lakeville, Lime Rock, and Ore Hill, and a large school or hospital for imbeciles, in which about 60 pupils are educated. Pop. in 1890, 3420.
Salisbury, a post-village of Litchfield co, Conn, in Salisbury township, about 60 miles by the Connecticut Western Railroad, or 42 miles in a direct line, W.N.W. of Hartford. It has a church, a hotel, a newspaper office, and a large summer boarding-house. Pop, 338.
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
Salisbury, a post-township of Litchfield co, Conn, forms the N.W. extremity of the state, and is bounded on the E. by the Housatonic River. Its surface is diversified by beautiful lakes, fertile valleys, and cultivated hills, which present very attractive scenery. It has beds of excellent hematite iron ore, also 2 blast-furnaces, an iron foundry, 2 woollen-mills, a machine-shop of the Housatonic Railroad, and 5 churches. It contains villages named Salisbury, Chapinville, Lakeville, Lime Rock, and Ore Hill, and a large school or hospital for imbeciles, in which about 60 pupils are educated. Pop. in 1890, 3420.
Salisbury, a post-village of Litchfield co, Conn, in Salisbury township, about 60 miles by the Connecticut Western Railroad, or 42 miles in a direct line, W.N.W. of Hartford. It has a church, a hotel, a newspaper office, and a large summer boarding-house. Pop, 338.
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
1906
Salisbury, a post-township (town and village) of Litchfield co., Conn., on the Central New England R., forms the NW. extremity of the state and is bounded on the E. by the Housatonic River. Its surface is diversified by beautiful lakes, fertile valley, and cultivated hills, which present attractive scenery. It has beds of excellent hematite iron ore and has iron-works and a manufactory of cutlery-handles. The Hotchkiss School is located here (in the village of Lakeville) and there is a large school or hospital for imbeciles. Pop. in 1900, 2489. The village of Salisbury is 42 miles (direct) WNW. of Hartford.
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
Salisbury, a post-township (town and village) of Litchfield co., Conn., on the Central New England R., forms the NW. extremity of the state and is bounded on the E. by the Housatonic River. Its surface is diversified by beautiful lakes, fertile valley, and cultivated hills, which present attractive scenery. It has beds of excellent hematite iron ore and has iron-works and a manufactory of cutlery-handles. The Hotchkiss School is located here (in the village of Lakeville) and there is a large school or hospital for imbeciles. Pop. in 1900, 2489. The village of Salisbury is 42 miles (direct) WNW. of Hartford.
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
Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Salisbury:
1. Scenic Drives:
Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely drive through the winding roads of the Litchfield Hills. Enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills, forests, and historic homes.
2. Hiking and Nature Trails:
Appalachian Trail: Salisbury is home to a section of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hike a portion of this iconic trail and experience the beauty of the Connecticut countryside.
Mount Riga State Park: Explore the trails in Mount Riga State Park for more hiking options and stunning vistas.
3. Cultural Attractions:
Salisbury Historic District: Stroll through the town's historic district, where you'll find well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Scoville Memorial Library: Visit the Scoville Memorial Library, one of the oldest public libraries in the United States. The architecture is noteworthy, and the interior is charming.
4. Art Galleries:
White Gallery: Art enthusiasts should check out the White Gallery, which... Read MORE...
1. Scenic Drives:
Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely drive through the winding roads of the Litchfield Hills. Enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills, forests, and historic homes.
2. Hiking and Nature Trails:
Appalachian Trail: Salisbury is home to a section of the famous Appalachian Trail. Hike a portion of this iconic trail and experience the beauty of the Connecticut countryside.
Mount Riga State Park: Explore the trails in Mount Riga State Park for more hiking options and stunning vistas.
3. Cultural Attractions:
Salisbury Historic District: Stroll through the town's historic district, where you'll find well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Scoville Memorial Library: Visit the Scoville Memorial Library, one of the oldest public libraries in the United States. The architecture is noteworthy, and the interior is charming.
4. Art Galleries:
White Gallery: Art enthusiasts should check out the White Gallery, which... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Salisbury Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Salisbury, Connecticut, USA
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