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History of Windham, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Windham, Connecticut, USA
(Willimantic)
Visit Windham, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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Windham, Windham, CT
The original Indian land granted by Joshua, son of the Mohegan subchief Uncas, was opened to white settlement about 1686, and the area was incorporated as a town in 1692. It was named for either Wyndham in Sussex or Wymondham in Norfolk, England.
britannica.com
Windham Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - R.R. Station and Bridge, Willimantic, CT){kind=small}
R.R. Station and Bridge, Willimantic, CT
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Windham Green and Library, Windham, Conn.){kind=small}
Windham Green and Library, Windham, Conn.
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Col. Elderkin House, Windham, Conn.
Said to be the first brick house in this country.
Bricks brought from Holland.
"Brick house built in Windham, by Col. Jedediah Elderkin, an officer in the Continental Army, for his son, after the Revolutionary War. Torn down in 1912. The bricks were brought from Holland and the nails were hand wrought."
A Modern History of Windham County, Connecticut: A Windham County Treasure Book, Volume 1
Allen B. Lincoln
S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1920){kind=small}
Col. Elderkin House, Windham, Conn.
Said to be the first brick house in this country.
Bricks brought from Holland.
"Brick house built in Windham, by Col. Jedediah Elderkin, an officer in the Continental Army, for his son, after the Revolutionary War. Torn down in 1912. The bricks were brought from Holland and the nails were hand wrought."
A Modern History of Windham County, Connecticut: A Windham County Treasure Book, Volume 1
Allen B. Lincoln
S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1920
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - American Thread Co. No 4 Mill. Willimantic, Conn.
"In 1898, the Willimantic Linen Company became part of the American Thread Company, a large corporation that was attempting to gain a dominant position in the international market for thread. Under its ownership, Mill No. 4 finally reached its full productive potential, and in the early 20th century other large brick mills and a huge reinforced-concrete warehouse were added to the plant. American Thread remained a major employer in Willimantic through the 1980s..."
www.past-inc.org){kind=small}
American Thread Co. No 4 Mill. Willimantic, Conn.
"In 1898, the Willimantic Linen Company became part of the American Thread Company, a large corporation that was attempting to gain a dominant position in the international market for thread. Under its ownership, Mill No. 4 finally reached its full productive potential, and in the early 20th century other large brick mills and a huge reinforced-concrete warehouse were added to the plant. American Thread remained a major employer in Willimantic through the 1980s..."
www.past-inc.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - American Thread Co., No. 2 Mill., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
American Thread Co., No. 2 Mill., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Thread City Square, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Thread City Square, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Holland's Mfg. Co., East Mill, Willimantic, Conn., 1907
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Holland's Mfg. Co., East Mill, Willimantic, Conn., 1907
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Windham Mfg. Co., No. 3 Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Windham Mfg. Co., No. 3 Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - View from Foot Bridge, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
View from Foot Bridge, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - New Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
New Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - American Thread Company Mill No. 2 and No. 6, Main Street, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
American Thread Company Mill No. 2 and No. 6, Main Street, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn.
American Thread Co., Mill No. 4, from West Side
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn.
American Thread Co., Mill No. 4, from West Side
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Thread City Square, Willimantic, Conn){kind=small}
Thread City Square, Willimantic, Conn
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Mills of the American Thread Co., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Mills of the American Thread Co., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn. Bird's Eye View.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn. Bird's Eye View.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn., Willimantic River and Windham Mills
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn., Willimantic River and Windham Mills
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn., American Thread Co., Mill No. 1
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn., American Thread Co., Mill No. 1
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn. General Offices, American Thread Co.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn. General Offices, American Thread Co.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Windham Mfg. Co., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Windham Mfg. Co., Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Windham Road Bridge and American Thread Company's Plant, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Windham Road Bridge and American Thread Company's Plant, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - American Thread Co. No. 5 Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
American Thread Co. No. 5 Mill, Willimantic, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Harris Jewelry Factory
North Windham, Conn.){kind=small}
Harris Jewelry Factory
North Windham, Conn.
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Willimantic, Conn. Looking So. East from Windham Mfg. Co. chimney, 140 feet high
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Willimantic, Conn. Looking So. East from Windham Mfg. Co. chimney, 140 feet high
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - Hall's Mill, North Windham, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
Hall's Mill, North Windham, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Windham, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 - St. Mary's Church, Willimantic, Conn){kind=small}
St. Mary's Church, Willimantic, Conn
Discover Windham: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Add History/News/Story
1692 - Incorporated in 1692, Windham originally included the current towns of Mansfield and Scotland, as well as parts of Chaplin and Hampton.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ windham/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ windham/
1819 - Windham
Windham, the seat of justice for the county, and a considerable post township, is situated 14 miles north of Norwich port, 30 east of Hartford, and 44 west of Providence; bounded on the north by Hampton and Mansfield, on the west by Columbia and Lebanon, on the south by Franklin and Lisbon, in New-London county, and on the east by Canterbury. The township comprises and area of about 46 square miles; having a mean length from east to west of about 8 miles, with a medium breadth of nearly 6 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
Windham, the seat of justice for the county, and a considerable post township, is situated 14 miles north of Norwich port, 30 east of Hartford, and 44 west of Providence; bounded on the north by Hampton and Mansfield, on the west by Columbia and Lebanon, on the south by Franklin and Lisbon, in New-London county, and on the east by Canterbury. The township comprises and area of about 46 square miles; having a mean length from east to west of about 8 miles, with a medium breadth of nearly 6 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 - Windham
Windham, Connecticut
Windham county. The territory of this town, Mansfield and Canterbury, was given by Joshua, a son of Uncas, the celebrated Mohegan sachem, to John Mason, James Fitch, and others, in the year 1675.
"Lieut. John Cates, a pious puritan who served in the wars in England, holding his commission under Cromwell, when Charles II. came to the throne, fled to this country for safety. He landed first in Virginia, where he procured a negro servant to attend him. But when advertisements and pursuers were spread through this country, to apprehend the adherents of the Protector, he left Virginia, came to New York, and from thence to Norwich. Still feeling that he should be securer in a more retired place, he came to this new plantation, dug the first cellar, and with his servant, raised in Windham the first English habitation, in the spring of 1689. The settlers, rapidly increasing, petitioned the general court, and obtained a grant of town privileges in May, 1692. It was... Read MORE...
Windham, Connecticut
Windham county. The territory of this town, Mansfield and Canterbury, was given by Joshua, a son of Uncas, the celebrated Mohegan sachem, to John Mason, James Fitch, and others, in the year 1675.
"Lieut. John Cates, a pious puritan who served in the wars in England, holding his commission under Cromwell, when Charles II. came to the throne, fled to this country for safety. He landed first in Virginia, where he procured a negro servant to attend him. But when advertisements and pursuers were spread through this country, to apprehend the adherents of the Protector, he left Virginia, came to New York, and from thence to Norwich. Still feeling that he should be securer in a more retired place, he came to this new plantation, dug the first cellar, and with his servant, raised in Windham the first English habitation, in the spring of 1689. The settlers, rapidly increasing, petitioned the general court, and obtained a grant of town privileges in May, 1692. It was... Read MORE...
1854 - Windham
Windham, a post-village in Windham co., Connecticut, near the New London, Willimantic, and Palmer railroad, about 30 miles E. by S. from Hartford, contains 2 churches, 1 bank, and an academy. Population of the township, 4503.
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.
Windham, a post-village in Windham co., Connecticut, near the New London, Willimantic, and Palmer railroad, about 30 miles E. by S. from Hartford, contains 2 churches, 1 bank, and an academy. Population of the township, 4503.
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.
1888 - On the 10th, Cashier H. F. Royce, of the Willimantic (Conn.) Savings Institute, was arrested on the charge of embezzling $35,000.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 19, 1888
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 19, 1888
1891 - A PULLMAN SLEEPER ON FIRE.
From the Hartford Courant, Jan. 2.
When the east-bound Washington express on the New-England Road, leaving this city at 2:45 A. M., was a few miles this side of Willimantic yesterday morning, fire was discovered in a Pullman sleeper. It spread rapidly, and the passengers were ordered out and placed in the other sleeper, which, fortunately, had room enough to accommodate them. It was impossible to extinguish the fire, and at Willimantic the car was cut out and the fire department called. Its services were, however, unnecessary, as the fire was got under control by other means before its arrival. An accident of this kind is very unusual, and though the fire evidently started from the heater, it does not yet appear just how it originated. The wood of the car in which it started was badly burned, and the loss will be considerable. The passengers were in great excitement for a little time, and probably did not have a monopoly of unpleasant agitation. They were all got out without... Read MORE...
From the Hartford Courant, Jan. 2.
When the east-bound Washington express on the New-England Road, leaving this city at 2:45 A. M., was a few miles this side of Willimantic yesterday morning, fire was discovered in a Pullman sleeper. It spread rapidly, and the passengers were ordered out and placed in the other sleeper, which, fortunately, had room enough to accommodate them. It was impossible to extinguish the fire, and at Willimantic the car was cut out and the fire department called. Its services were, however, unnecessary, as the fire was got under control by other means before its arrival. An accident of this kind is very unusual, and though the fire evidently started from the heater, it does not yet appear just how it originated. The wood of the car in which it started was badly burned, and the loss will be considerable. The passengers were in great excitement for a little time, and probably did not have a monopoly of unpleasant agitation. They were all got out without... Read MORE...
1895 - Windham
Windham, a post-village of Windham co., Conn., in a township of the same name, 3 miles E.S.E. of Willimantic, and about 14 miles N. of Norwich. It has 2 churches and a national bank. The township is drained by the Shetucket River, and contains the village of Willimantic, which is at the junction of several railroads. Pop. of township, 8264.
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
Windham, a post-village of Windham co., Conn., in a township of the same name, 3 miles E.S.E. of Willimantic, and about 14 miles N. of Norwich. It has 2 churches and a national bank. The township is drained by the Shetucket River, and contains the village of Willimantic, which is at the junction of several railroads. Pop. of township, 8264.
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
Windham, a post-village of Windham co., Conn. in Windham township (town), 3 miles ESE. of Willimantic and about 14 miles N. of Norwich. The town is drained by the Shetucket River and contains the city of Willimantic. Pop. of the town in 1900, 10,137; of the village, about 350.
Willimantic, a city of Windham co., Conn., on the Willimantic River, 16 miles NW. of Norwich, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Central Vermont Rs. It contains a state normal training-school, and has extensive manufactures of cotton and silk-thread, cotton and silk goods, machinery, etc. The river here affords abundant hydraulic power. Pop. in 1900, 8937.
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
Windham, a post-village of Windham co., Conn. in Windham township (town), 3 miles ESE. of Willimantic and about 14 miles N. of Norwich. The town is drained by the Shetucket River and contains the city of Willimantic. Pop. of the town in 1900, 10,137; of the village, about 350.
Willimantic, a city of Windham co., Conn., on the Willimantic River, 16 miles NW. of Norwich, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Central Vermont Rs. It contains a state normal training-school, and has extensive manufactures of cotton and silk-thread, cotton and silk goods, machinery, etc. The river here affords abundant hydraulic power. Pop. in 1900, 8937.
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
1936 - Connecticut Dam Breaks.
WILLIMANTIC, Conn., March 18. (UP). - The North Windham Dam and the pumping station dam at Willimantic broke under pressure of waters of the Shetucket River Wednesday night.
State police warned residents of the river valley to seek safety.
Dallas Morning News
Dallas, Texas
March 19, 1936
WILLIMANTIC, Conn., March 18. (UP). - The North Windham Dam and the pumping station dam at Willimantic broke under pressure of waters of the Shetucket River Wednesday night.
State police warned residents of the river valley to seek safety.
Dallas Morning News
Dallas, Texas
March 19, 1936
2023 - Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Windham:
Mansfield Hollow State Park:
If you're into outdoor activities, Mansfield Hollow State Park is the place to be. It's got hiking trails, fishing spots, and a beautiful lake for kayaking and picnicking.
Eastern Connecticut State University:
Explore the campus of Eastern Connecticut State University. It's not just for students—there are often events, performances, and exhibitions that are open to the public.
Thread City Crossing:
This is the heart of downtown Willimantic. It's a cool spot with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and maybe grabbing a cup of coffee.
Willimantic Brewing Company:
If you're into craft beer, make sure to stop by Willimantic Brewing Company. They've got a great selection of brews, and the building itself has a lot of history.
Frog Bridge:
Check out the quirky Frog Bridge. The four giant bronze frogs on each corner of the bridge make for a unique and memorable sight. It's become a bit of a local... Read MORE...
Mansfield Hollow State Park:
If you're into outdoor activities, Mansfield Hollow State Park is the place to be. It's got hiking trails, fishing spots, and a beautiful lake for kayaking and picnicking.
Eastern Connecticut State University:
Explore the campus of Eastern Connecticut State University. It's not just for students—there are often events, performances, and exhibitions that are open to the public.
Thread City Crossing:
This is the heart of downtown Willimantic. It's a cool spot with local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and maybe grabbing a cup of coffee.
Willimantic Brewing Company:
If you're into craft beer, make sure to stop by Willimantic Brewing Company. They've got a great selection of brews, and the building itself has a lot of history.
Frog Bridge:
Check out the quirky Frog Bridge. The four giant bronze frogs on each corner of the bridge make for a unique and memorable sight. It's become a bit of a local... Read MORE...
Our Windham Gift Ideas
Discover Your Roots: Windham Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Windham, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Windham.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
John ABBE (14 July 1636, Salem, Massachusetts, USA - 11 December 1700, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Thomas BINGHAM (5 June 1642, , Yorkshire County, England - 16 January 1729, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Samuel SPENCER (1643, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - 8 January 1727, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))
Ruth RICHARDSON (14 April 1647, Woburn, Massachusetts, USA - 19 July 1699, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Mary RUDD (4 August 1648, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA (Saybrook Colony) - 15 August 1726, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Hannah GOLDSMITH (4 March 1652, - 8 March 1724, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Nathaniel WALES (25 May 1658, Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA - 22 June 1744, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Samuel PALMER (22 November 1659, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA - 18 November 1743, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Jonathan KENDRICK (1659, Harwich, Massachusetts, USA (N., S., E., W.) (Harwichport) (Pleasant Lake) - 5 August 1725, Windham, Connecticut, USA (Willimantic))Ancestors Who Were Married in Windham, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Windham.View Them Now
John FITCH (January 1668 - 24 July 1743 ) and Elizabeth WATERMAN (August 1675 - 24 June 1751) married 10 July 1695Ralph WHEELOCK (12 February 1683 - 24 October 1748) and Ruth HUNTINGTON (28 November 1682 - 1 September 1725) married 8 January 1708John CRANE (1 October 1687 - 1 March 1765) and Sarah SPENCER (August 1686 - 15 September 1715) married 16 September 1708Barnard CASE (29 October 1688 - 30 April 1779) and Abigail RUDD (2 February 1688 - 10 April 1722) married 22 May 1712Ebenezer WALES (25 June 1696 - 12 April 1774) and Esther SMITH (24 November 1702 - 9 October 1737) married 20 October 1719Ebenezer WRIGHT (22 February 1701 - 22 April 1785) and Sarah HUNTINGTON (25 May 1705 - 19 October 1775) married 28 March 1728John CRANE (31 July 1709 - 9 March 1793) and Rebecca HUNTINGTON (18 September 1702 - 23 January 1742) married 24 January 1734
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