History of Durham, Connecticut, USA

1708 - (Durham, CT) - Settled in 1699, Durham was named in May of 1708 and incorporated as a town in October that same year.
Originally called Coginchaug, the Native American word for “long swamp,” the area was frequented by the Mattabesset, an Algonquin people.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ durham/

1819 - Durham
Durham is a post town, situated in the western section of the county 20 miles south of Hartford, and 18 northeast from New-Haven; bounded north on Middletwon, east on Haddam, south on Guilford and Killingworth, and west on Wallingford.

This is a small township, averaging about 6 miles in length from east to west, and nearly 4 in breadth from north to south, comprising an area of about 23 square miles.

The prevailing character of the surface is undulating; exhibiting an agreeable and interesting diversity of moderate hills and gentle declivities and dales. The eastern and western border are somewhat broken and mountainous.

This township is situated at the commencement of the agrillaceous district extending to the north upon Connecticut river; being partly included within it, and partly within the granitic region which prevails upon the borders of Long Island sound. Within the clay slate strata, there is an exhaustless quarry of sandstone, which is a very valuable... Read MORE...

1836 - Durham
The tract of land comprising Durham was formerly supposed to be included in the limits of the neighboring towns, until they were surveyed, when a tract was found to be left. This was considered small for a distinct plantation or town, and does not appear to have been contemplated with that view for a long period. The Legislature however granted many lots or farms in it to persons who had performed important services to the colony. In this way more than 5,000 acres became the property of individuals widely dispersed in the state, before any settlement was made.

"In 1698, however, David Seward, from Guilford, moved into the town, and some of his neighbors contemplated following him. The next spring, therefore, a petition was presented to the Legislature, signed by thirty one inhabitants of that town, that there might be a plantation at Coginchaug, the Indian name of Durham. This was urged on the ground that Coginchaug was so far from other settlements that the people could not go to... Read MORE...

1839 - Durham
Durham, Connecticut
Middlesex county. This town was first settled in 1698. Its Indian name was Coginchaug. It lies 7 miles S. by W. from Middletown and 20 S. from Hartford. Population, 1830, 1,116. Agriculture is the principal employment of the people of Durham, for which they have rather an uneven but fertile soil. "This town has been distinguished for many years for a very fine breed of cattle. Two oxen, presented by some of the inhabitants to General Washington, furnished a dinner for all the officers of the American army at Valley Forge, and all their servants. These oxen were driven almost five hundred miles, through a country nearly exhausted for forage; yet one of them, a steer, five years old, weighed two thousand two hundred and seventy pounds."

Capt. Israel Camp, a noted psalmodist, died in Durham, in 1778.
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 - Durham
Durham, a post-township of Middlesex county, Connecticut, 20 miles S. of Hartford. Population, 1026.
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
DURHAM, a township of Middlsex co., in the state of Connecticut, 21 m. S of Hartford, watered by West river, a tributary of the Connecticut. It has a hilly surface, but is generally fertile. Pop. 1,095.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1895 - Durham
Durham, a post-village of Middlesex co., Conn., in Durham township, 3 miles from Middlefield Railroad Station, and about 17 miles N.E. of New Haven. It contains 3 churches, the Durham Academy, and manufactures of tinware and witch hazel. Pop. of the township, 856.
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 - Durham Fair
June 16, 1916, it was voted and approved to hold a fair in Durham. The first fair was held entirely on the Durham Town Green.

1916
Durham township (town), about 17 miles NE. of New Haven. Pop. of the town in 1900, 884.
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

1956 - Boy, 4, IS DROWNED IN FREAK ACCIDENT
DURHAM, Nov. 16. (UP) Stanley Soule, 4, drowned yesterday in a freak accident near his farm home.

State police said the boy was playing with two other youngsters near a shallow well when he fell into it. A boulder near the lip of the spring-fed well fell on top of Soule pinning him in eight inches of water. Two men were unable to move the boulder, and by the time additional help arrived, the boy was dead.

The medical examiner said death was caused by drowning.
The Bridgeport Post
Bridgeport, Connecticut
November 16, 1956

Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Durham:
1. Wadsworth Falls State Park:
Explore the beauty of nature at Wadsworth Falls State Park. Hike the trails, have a picnic, and don't forget to visit the stunning waterfalls. It's a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Durham Historic District:
Immerse yourself in history by strolling through Durham's Historic District. The architecture and atmosphere provide a glimpse into the town's rich past.

3. Lyman Orchards:
Enjoy a day of fun at Lyman Orchards. Depending on the season, you can pick your own fruits, navigate the corn maze, or indulge in freshly baked goods at the Apple Barrel market.

4. Durham Fair:
If you happen to visit in September, don't miss the Durham Fair. It's the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut, featuring live music, carnival rides, and a variety of delicious fair food.

5. Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort:
In winter, head to Powder Ridge for skiing and snowboarding. In the warmer months, the resort offers activities like zip-lining and... Read MORE...