History of Vernon, Connecticut, USA

1808 - Incorporated from Bolton in 1808, Vernon is a Tolland County town that today encompasses the former city of Rockville and the villages of Talcottville and Dobsonville.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ vernon/

1819 - Vernon
Vernon, a small post township, is situated 12 miles northeast from Hartford. It is bounded on the north by Ellington, on the east by Tolland and Coventry, on the south by Bolton and East-Hartford, and on the west by East-Windsor and East-Hartford.

The town comprises an area of about 5 miles in length, and more than 3 and a half in breadth, containing 18 square miles.

The principal part of the town is uneven, being agreeably diversified with hill and dale. The eastern part is broken and mountainous, extending upon that mountainous range of country which constitutes the height of land between the Thames and Connecticut rivers, and directs the course of the streams. This mountain consists of granite, schistus and other original rocks. In the southeast part of this town, are quarries of a greyish slate stone, admitting of a smooth and even surface. These stones are well calculated to flag the side-walks in cities, and have been carried to Hartford for that purpose. The stone is a... Read MORE...

1839 - Vernon
Vernon, Connecticut
Tolland county. This town lies 12 miles E.N.E. from Hartford and 7 S.W. from Tolland. Rock village, and Tankerooson are pleasant and flourishing manufacturing villages, containing 18 cotton and woolen mills. The former is 14, the latter 10 miles from Hartford. The Hockanum, and a branch of that river, the Tankerooson, are the principal streams.

Vernon was first settled in 1716. It was a part of East Windsor and Bolton until 1808. The surface of the town is varied by hills and valleys; the soil is a gravelly loam and sandy, but good for grain and grass. Population, 1830, 1,164.
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 - Vernon
Vernon, a post township of Tolland co., Connecticut, intersected by the Hartford, Providence, and Fishkill railroad, 15 miles E. by N. from Hartford, and drained by the Hockannum and the Sankerooson, which afford water-power. Besides the village at the centre, it contains the manufacturing village of Rockville ; 4 churches, and various manufactories of woollen and cotton goods, with an aggregate capital of $500,000. Population of the township, 2900.
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 - Vernon
Vernon, a post-village of Tolland co., Conn., in Vernon township, 1 mile N. of Vernon Depot of the New York & New England Railroad, and 12 miles E.N.E. of Hartford. It has a high school, a woollen-mill, and several churches. The township contains the villages of Rockville, Talcottville, and Vernon Depot. Pop. of township in 1890, 8808.
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
Vernon, a post-village of Tolland co., Conn. in Vernon township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 12 miles ENE. of Hartford. It has manufactures of woollens, warms, and yarns. The town contains the city of Rockville. Pop. in 1900, 8483; of the village, about 1200.
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 are some of the best places to go and things to do in Vernon:
Hockanum River Trails:

If you love the outdoors, Hockanum River Trails is a great place for hiking. With scenic views and well-maintained paths, it's a wonderful spot for nature enthusiasts.

Valley Falls Park:

Another gem for nature lovers, Valley Falls Park offers hiking trails and a beautiful waterfall. It's a fantastic place for a family picnic or a peaceful stroll.

Vernon Historical Society:

Get a taste of Vernon's history by visiting the Vernon Historical Society. It's a great place to learn about the town's past through exhibits and artifacts.

Rails to Trails:

If you enjoy biking or walking, the Rails to Trails system in Vernon is a must-visit. It's a converted rail line that provides a scenic route through town.

Tankerhoosen Valley:

Explore the Tankerhoosen Valley for a more secluded and tranquil outdoor experience. It's a lesser-known gem with beautiful landscapes.

Lobster Landing:

For seafood lovers, Lobster Landing is a popular spot. Enjoy... Read MORE...