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flag  History of Chester, Connecticut, USA

Journey back in time to Chester, Connecticut, USA

Visit Chester, 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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Chester, Connecticut, USA - Oldest House in Chester, Conn. Built in 1649.

Chester, Middlesex, Connecticut, USA
Originally known as Pattaconk Quarter, Chester was settled in 1692. Many mills sprang up as the settlers established permanent homes and Chester became the Fourth Parish of Saybrook. By 1836, it became an independent town.

www.visit-chester.com/ chester/ history.html

Chester Historical Society
chesterhistoricalsociety.org/

Created in 1769, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is the second-oldest continuously operating ferry service in Connecticut.
courant.com



There is MUCH more to discover about Chester, Connecticut, USA. Read on!

Chester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Oldest House in Chester, Conn. Built in 1649.
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Oldest House in Chester, Conn. Built in 1649.
Bates Shop, Chester, Conn., est. 1873
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Bates Shop, Chester, Conn., est. 1873
Cedar Lake, Chester, Conn.
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Cedar Lake, Chester, Conn.
Brooks Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Brooks Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Catholic Church and Parsonage
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Catholic Church and Parsonage
Jennings Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Jennings Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Old Saw Mill, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Old Saw Mill, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
The Old Yellow Shop
Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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The Old Yellow Shop
Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
C. J. Bates & Son Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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C. J. Bates & Son Factory, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Jennings Falls, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Chester, Connecticut, USA

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Jennings Falls, Chester, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org

Discover Chester: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add informationAdd History/News/Story
1692 - Originally known as Pattaconk Quarter, Chester was settled in 1692.

www.visit-chester.com/ chester/ history.html
1769 - Jonathan Warner was granted permission to operate a ferry across the Connecticut River that became the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, the second-oldest continuously operating ferry service in Connecticut.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ chester/
1836 - (Chester, CT) - The town was formed from the northern quarter of Saybrook and incorporated in 1836.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ chester/
1836 - Chester
CHESTER, formerly a parish of that name in Saybrook, was incorporated as a town in 1836. Jonah Dibble, from Haddarn, appears to have been the first settler in this town: he was a resident here in 1692: Andrew Warner, from Hadley, came about 1696. "The ancestors of the Parkers, Shipmans, Waterhouses and Webbs, from Saybrook parish, were early settlers in this place.. George `Willard and Andrew Southworth, from the same parish, Joel Canfield and Gideon Leet, from Durham, settled in it about 1745. The inhabitants were vested with parish privileges in 1740. Their first pastor was the Rev. Jared Harrison, who was ordained at the formation of the church in 1742.

Chester is about 5 miles in length from east to west, and upwards of 3 in breadth, bounded N. by Haddam, E. by Connecticut river, s. by Saybrook, and w. by Killingworth. The western part of the town is rough and hilly. It is estimated that there are in the town about 1,200 inhabitants, most of whom are in the eastern part. There... Read MORE...

1859
CHESTER, a township of Middlesex co., in the state of Connecticut, 31 m. SE of Hartford. Pop. 974.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1875 - The Chester library had its inception in 1875

chesterct.org
1895 - Chester
Chester, a post-village of Middlesex co, Conn. 32 miles by rail S.S.E. of Hartford, and 18 miles S.E. of Middletown. It has 2 churches, a savings-bank, manufactures of ivory and bone goods, hardware, auger-bits, &c. Pop. of the township, 1301.
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
2023 - Here's a list of places to visit and things to do in and around Chester:
Chester Village Center:

Start your visit in the heart of Chester. The village center is full of historic buildings, unique shops, and art galleries. Take a leisurely stroll and explore the local boutiques.

Chester Historical Society:

Dive into the town's rich history at the Chester Historical Society. Learn about the origins of the town and its development through exhibits and artifacts.

Goodspeed Opera House:

Check the schedule at the Goodspeed Opera House. This iconic theater is known for its Broadway-caliber musicals and plays. Catching a show here is a delightful experience.

Chester Art Gallery:

Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Chester Art Gallery. It features works by local and regional artists, showcasing the vibrant arts scene in the town.

Chester Land Trust Trails:

If you enjoy outdoor activities, explore the trails maintained by the Chester Land Trust. The scenery is beautiful, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its... Read MORE...

Discover Your Roots: Chester Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Chester, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Chester.

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male ancestorNathaniel NEWBURY (1720, - 6 April 1806, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorGideon LEETE (5 May 1731, Guilford, Connecticut, USA - 13 June 1793, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorAnn PARMELEE (6 January 1733, Durham, Connecticut, USA - 27 August 1811, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorJohn BUCKINGHAM (1735, - 2 November 1803, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorBrooks SIMEON (1740, - 9 May 1819, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorJames BALDWIN (28 May 1742, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA (Saybrook Colony) - 26 February 1818, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorThomas SILLIMAN (19 February 1748, Norwalk, Connecticut, USA (Rowayton) (South Norwalk) (East Norwalk) - 26 May 1839, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
female ancestorSarah SILLIMAN (5 August 1759, New Canaan, Connecticut, USA - 20 February 1814, Chester, Connecticut, USA)
male ancestorCalvin CONE (1760, Chester, Connecticut, USA - 17 January 1823, Blakely, Luzerne, Pennsylvania, USA)

Ancestors Who Were Married in Chester, Connecticut, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Chester.

View Them Now

male ancestorCalvin CONE (1760 - 17 January 1823) and female ancestorRebecca LEETE (4 March 1761 - 17 June 1823) married 7 December 1780

Genealogy Resources for Chester

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Updated: 10/6/2023 8:36:36 AM