History of Watertown, Connecticut, USA

1780 - (Watertown, CT) - In 1738 the First Ecclesiastical Society of Westbury formed, and in 1780 the town separated from Waterbury and incorporated as Watertown.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ watertown/

1819 - Watertown
Watertown is a post township, situated in the southeastern section of the county, 26 miles from New-Haven, and 30 from Hartford; bounded on the north by Litchfield, on the east by West branch and Naugatuck river, which separates it from Plymouth and Waterbury, on the south by Waterbury and Milddlebury, and on the west by Woodbury and Bethlem.

The township comprises an area of about 27 square miles; being of an average length of 6 and a half miles, and an average breadth of more than 4 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 - Watertown
Watertown, Connecticut
Litchfield county. This town lies 30 miles S.S.W. from Hartford, 26 N. by W. from New Haven, and 10 S.E. from Litchfield. Population, 1830, 1,500.

Watertown was formerly a parish in Waterbury, by the name of Westbury. It was incorporated as a town in 1780. It is bounded N. by Litchfield, E. by Naugatuck river, separating it from Plymouth, W. by Bethlem and Woodbury, and S. by Middlebury and Waterbury. It is about 6 1/ 2 miles in length and 4 in breadth. The township is generally uneven, or rather hilly; but some sections are level. The prevailing soil is a dry gravelly loam, and best adapted to grazing, but the different grains common to this part of the country are cultivated. Steel's brook, a sprightly stream, passes through the central part of the town, and for a mile below and some distance above the centre of the town, a chain of rich meadows, though small in extent, border the sides of this stream.

This is the birth place of John Trumbull, the... Read MORE...

1854 - Watertown
Watertown, a post-township in Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the W. side of Naugatuck river and railroad, 30 miles W. S. W. from Hartford. The manufacture of silk thread, umbrella trimmings, sewing machines, hooks and eyes, &c. are carried on to some ex tent. Near its centre is a pleasant village. Population, 1533.
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.

1856 - A Fowl Story
The New York Clipper contains an account, from a correspondent in Watertown, Conn., of a fight between a hawk and a hen. - The hawk seized one of the hen's chicks and made off with it, upon which the parent hen immediately took flight after the thief, which she overtook about 100 feet from terra firma, and gave him such a drubbing that he was glad to let fall the chick and escape with his life.
Charleston Mercury
Charleston, South Carolina
July 16, 1856

1895 - Watertown
Watertown, wä'ter-töwn, a post-village and summer resort in Watertown township, Litchfield co., Conn., 6 miles N.W. of Waterbury, with which it is connected by the Watertown Branch Railroad. It contains 3 churches, the Watertown Academy, a large hotel, and a museum. The township is bounded on the E. by the Naugatuck River, and has manufactures of silk goods, umbrella-trimmings, mouse-traps, &c. Pop. of the township in 1890, 2323.
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
Watertown, a post-village and summer-resort in Watertown township (town), Litchfield co., Conn., 6 miles NW. of Waterbury, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. The town has manufactures of silk goods, umbrella-trimmings, traps, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3100.
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 activities to enjoy in Watertown:
Black Rock State Park:

A haven for nature lovers, Black Rock State Park offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking. The park is known for its scenic beauty, with a tranquil lake surrounded by lush forests.

Veterans Memorial Park:

This park is a great spot for a relaxing day outdoors. It has walking paths, playgrounds, and open spaces for picnics. The memorial in the park honors veterans and adds a touch of history to the area.

Crestbrook Park Golf Course:

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Crestbrook Park Golf Course. The course is well-maintained, and the scenic views make for a pleasant round of golf.

Mattatuck Museum:

Explore the local history and art at the Mattatuck Museum. It features a collection of American art and cultural exhibits, providing insights into the region's past.

Hop Brook Lake:

Another beautiful outdoor spot, Hop Brook Lake, offers hiking trails and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. The peaceful surroundings make it a... Read MORE...