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History of Berlin, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Berlin, Connecticut, USA
(Kensington)
Explore Berlin, Connecticut, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Berlin Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Berlin, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
'Berlin, Connecticut, the home of "The Yankee Peddler", is located at the geographic center of the state. The area was originally know as PAGONCHAWNISCHAGE (the great white oak place), by the Mattabasset Indians.
In 1659, Sergeant Richard Beckley purchased 300 acres from Chief Tarramuggus, built a home for his family and became the first settler in what was to become Berlin. Other families slowly followed, and in 1686, Captain Richard Seymour led a group of families from Farmington to begin the first settlement on Christian Lane...'
Kensington is a census-designated place (CDP) and section of the town of Berlin in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. Kensington occupies the north-central part of the town of Berlin.
www.town.berlin.ct.us/ content/ 193/ 205/ default.aspx
The geographic center of the state is located in Berlin.
courant.com
Explore even more about Berlin, Connecticut, USA. Keep reading!
Berlin Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Berlin, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
American Paper Goods Factory, Kensington, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
In 1893, the Ajax Envelope Company of New York City and the Howard Manufacturing Company of Jersey City formed the American Paper Goods Company and moved their operations to Kensington in Berlin, where they secured water rights on the Mattabessett River. The company erected a dam, which survives today, and created Paper Goods Pond, now a town park... historicbuildings.ct
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to BERLIN

CONNECTICUT Gift Idea - Apizza, Burger on Toast, White Clam Pizza - I Love Connecticut! - CT Mug for Genealogists Family History
Featuring iconic local delicacies, the design of this mug captures the essence of Connecticut's food culture. It pays homage to the Apizza, a unique and mouthwatering pizza style that originated in New Haven. The legendary Louis' Lunch Burger, said to be the birthplace of the hamburger, is also prominently featured. And of course, there's a nod to the classic White Clam Pizza, a coastal favorite that's a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

SAVIN ROCK, CT Memories - Vintage Amusement Park Connecticut Postcards Ceramic Mug
Take a nostalgic trip to Connecticut’s beloved Savin Rock amusement park with this charming ceramic mug. Featuring vintage-inspired images and iconic landmarks, it’s perfect for reminiscing about summer days, family outings, and the golden age of amusement parks.

CONNECTICUT Roots Mug: Bed-and-Breakfast Enthusiast Edition
Start your day with a sip of history and charm from our Connecticut-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming: "My ancestors came from Connecticut, that explains a lot about my love for charming bed-and-breakfasts and discussing the nuances of colonial architecture." This delightful mug is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life, like cozy mornings at quaint inns and lively conversations about the elegance of colonial design.
Discover Berlin: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1785 - (Berlin, CT) - First known as the Great Swamp Society, the town was incorporated in 1785 and called Berlin.
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ berlin/
connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ berlin/
1799 - (Berlin, CT) - On March 9, 1799, the government issued its first contract for pistols to Simeon North of Berlin.
The contract specified 500 horse pistols be made at a cost of $6.50 each. Before 1799, North had manufactured scythes and other agricultural instruments, but after being awarded the government contract, his business grew rapidly...
connecticuthistory.org/ government-orders-horse-pistols-today-in-history/
The contract specified 500 horse pistols be made at a cost of $6.50 each. Before 1799, North had manufactured scythes and other agricultural instruments, but after being awarded the government contract, his business grew rapidly...
connecticuthistory.org/ government-orders-horse-pistols-today-in-history/
1819 - Berlin
Berlin, a post town, is situated 10 miles south-west from Hartford, and 24 miles north-east from New Haven. It is bounded north by Farmington, east by Wethersfield and Middletown, south by Middletown and Meriden, and west by Southington.
The township contains about forty square miles, having an average length of eight miles, and an average breadth of five miles.
Its surface is uneven, being diversified with moderate hills and dales; the western border of the town is mountainous, extending upon the range of mountains which commence in the vicinity of New Haven, and extend through the State, into the interior of New England...
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
Berlin, a post town, is situated 10 miles south-west from Hartford, and 24 miles north-east from New Haven. It is bounded north by Farmington, east by Wethersfield and Middletown, south by Middletown and Meriden, and west by Southington.
The township contains about forty square miles, having an average length of eight miles, and an average breadth of five miles.
Its surface is uneven, being diversified with moderate hills and dales; the western border of the town is mountainous, extending upon the range of mountains which commence in the vicinity of New Haven, and extend through the State, into the interior of New England...
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 - Berlin
Berlin, Connecticut
Hartford county. Taken from Farmington, in 1785. Population, 1830, 3,947. This town lies 11 miles S. from Hartford and 23 N. from New Haven. The surface of Berlin is hilly, but productive of grass, grain and fruits. There are in the town about 2,000 sheep. The villages of Worthington and New Britain are very pleasant, and the manufactures of brass, tin and other wares, where pursued, are very extensive and flourishing. The first manufacture of tin ware in this country was commenced at this place, in about the year 1770, by Edward Patterson, a native or Ireland. Mr. Patterson peddled his ware about the country, on foot, in baskets; his successors in the manufacture did the same, until the uses and value of the article becoming known, and the demand increasing, horses and wagons were employed; and thus this important manufacture of New England was transported to all parts of the country.
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
Berlin, Connecticut
Hartford county. Taken from Farmington, in 1785. Population, 1830, 3,947. This town lies 11 miles S. from Hartford and 23 N. from New Haven. The surface of Berlin is hilly, but productive of grass, grain and fruits. There are in the town about 2,000 sheep. The villages of Worthington and New Britain are very pleasant, and the manufactures of brass, tin and other wares, where pursued, are very extensive and flourishing. The first manufacture of tin ware in this country was commenced at this place, in about the year 1770, by Edward Patterson, a native or Ireland. Mr. Patterson peddled his ware about the country, on foot, in baskets; his successors in the manufacture did the same, until the uses and value of the article becoming known, and the demand increasing, horses and wagons were employed; and thus this important manufacture of New England was transported to all parts of the country.
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 - Berlin
Berlin, a post-township of Hartford county, Connecticut, on the Hartford and New Haven railroad, 11 miles 8. by W. from Hartford, and 25 miles N. by E. from New Haven. The manufacture of tin was early introduced here and is still carried on. Population, 1869.
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.
Berlin, a post-township of Hartford county, Connecticut, on the Hartford and New Haven railroad, 11 miles 8. by W. from Hartford, and 25 miles N. by E. from New Haven. The manufacture of tin was early introduced here and is still carried on. Population, 1869.
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
BERLIN, a township in Hartford co., Connecticut, 10 m. S by W of Hartford. Pop. 3,411.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
BERLIN, a township in Hartford co., Connecticut, 10 m. S by W of Hartford. Pop. 3,411.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1882 - Berlin Fair
The Berlin Fair began as a Harvest Festival in 1882.
The Berlin Fair began as a Harvest Festival in 1882.
1895 - Berlin
Berlin, a post-township of Hartford co., Conn., at the junction of 2 railroads, 11 miles by rail S.S.W. of Hartford. it has 4 churches, a savings-bank, manufactures of iron goods, hardware, tools, &c. Pop. 2600. It contains a village named Kensington.
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
Berlin, a post-township of Hartford co., Conn., at the junction of 2 railroads, 11 miles by rail S.S.W. of Hartford. it has 4 churches, a savings-bank, manufactures of iron goods, hardware, tools, &c. Pop. 2600. It contains a village named Kensington.
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
Berlin, a post-township (town) and village of Hartford co.. Conn., 11 miles SSW. of Hartford. It has manufactures of iron, hardware, steel bridges, terracotta, bricks, etc. The banking point is New Britain or Kensington. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3448.
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
Berlin, a post-township (town) and village of Hartford co.. Conn., 11 miles SSW. of Hartford. It has manufactures of iron, hardware, steel bridges, terracotta, bricks, etc. The banking point is New Britain or Kensington. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3448.
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
Berlin, Connecticut has a lot to offer in terms of both places to visit and activities to enjoy. Here's a diverse list to cater to various interests:
Pistol Creek Golf Course: If you're a golf enthusiast, this 18-hole public golf course is a must-visit. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic views and well-maintained greens.
Timberlin Park: This beautiful park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing. It's a great spot for a family outing or a leisurely walk in nature.
Berlin Historical Society Museum: Dive into Berlin's history by visiting this small but fascinating museum. Learn about the town's past, including its role in the American Revolutionary War.
Mattabassett Canoe and Kayak Race: If you're visiting during the summer, consider participating in or watching the Mattabassett Canoe and Kayak Race, a local tradition that takes place on the Mattabassett River.
Berlin Orchards: In the fall, don't miss the chance to pick your own apples at Berlin Orchards. It's a great family activity and a way to enjoy the beautiful New England foliage.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: This multi-use trail... Read MORE...
Pistol Creek Golf Course: If you're a golf enthusiast, this 18-hole public golf course is a must-visit. Enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic views and well-maintained greens.
Timberlin Park: This beautiful park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a pond for fishing. It's a great spot for a family outing or a leisurely walk in nature.
Berlin Historical Society Museum: Dive into Berlin's history by visiting this small but fascinating museum. Learn about the town's past, including its role in the American Revolutionary War.
Mattabassett Canoe and Kayak Race: If you're visiting during the summer, consider participating in or watching the Mattabassett Canoe and Kayak Race, a local tradition that takes place on the Mattabassett River.
Berlin Orchards: In the fall, don't miss the chance to pick your own apples at Berlin Orchards. It's a great family activity and a way to enjoy the beautiful New England foliage.
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail: This multi-use trail... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Berlin Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Berlin, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about 179 ancestors who were born or died in Berlin.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Berlin, Connecticut, USA
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