History of Chester, Connecticut, USA

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...

1854 - Chester
Chester, a post-township of Middlesex county, Connecticut, on the W. side of Connecticut river, about 20 miles N. E. by E. from New Haven. Population. 992.
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
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

1916
Chester, a banking post-village and township (town) of Middlesex co., Conn., 32 miles by rail SSE. of Hartford. It has manufactures of ivory and bone goods, hardware, auger-bits, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1328.
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

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...