East Hampton, Connecticut, USA (Chatham)
1819 - Chatham

Chatham is a flourishing post town, pleasantly situated upon the east side of Connecticut river, opposite Middletown, and 17 miles from Hartford; bounded on the north by Glastenbury, on the east by Marlborough and Colchester, on the south by East-Haddam and Haddam Neck, belonging to the town of Haddam, and on the west by Connecticut river.

The township has an average length of 9 miles, from north to south, and is more than 6 miles in breadth from east to west, comprising an area of about 56 square miles. The interior of the township is rough and broken, consisting of granitic hills, interspersed with inconsiderable vales. Upon Connecticut river, there is a considerable tract of alluvial, back of which, for nearly a mile, is an undulating argillaceous district, handsome and fertile, and corresponding with the geological character of the country upon Connecticut river. The termination of this tract forms the boundary between the argillaceous and granitic districts.

There are some valuable minerals in this town, the most important of which is cobalt ore. This valuable mineral has recently been discovered in several places in a mountain, called the Great Hill, about one mile from Middle Haddam Landing...

There is a very extensive and valuable quarry of freestone, situated upon the bank of Connecticut river, opposite Middletown, and below the bar in the river; so that vessels of 100 tons can load along side of the bank, near the quarry...

There are five different medicinal springs in this township; but their waters have not been subjected to chymical analysis, or their efficacy particularly ascertained.

Although most of this township is rough and stony, yet its agricultural interests are flourishing. The soil in the interior is in general a primitive gravelly loam, considerably warm and fertile, and well adapted to grazing. In the district upon Connecticut river, the soil is an argillaceous loam, rich and fertile, and suitable for a grain culture. In the interior, the forests are extensive, and the timber is of an excellent quality. The agricultural productions consist of rye, Indian corn, oats, flax, grass, cheese, butter, &c.

The most considerable stream of water within the town is Salmon river, which runs through its southeast section, and discharges itself into the Connecticut. Besides there, there are numerous small streams which water and fertilize the different sections of the town.

The Connecticut river, which washes the western border of the town, affords great advantages for commerce, fishing, &c. The principal harbor is at Middle-Haddam Landing, about 6 miles below Middletown. From this place, large quantities of timber, wood and lumber are shipped from New-York and Long Island. At this, and some other places in town, ship-building has frequently been carried on to a considerable extent.

The shad fisheries in Connecticut river form an important business, and are a source of considerable wealth. There are 15 different fisheries.

The navigation business is respectable; there being 15 vessel owned in the town, employed principally in a trade to New-York and the southern States.

The town is accommodated with several turnpike roads; one leading to Windham, one to Colchester, and one other.

The manufactures and mechanical employments consist of 1 Woolen Factory, 1 Forge, 6 small Furnaces, for casting bells, cart and wagon boxes, &c., 6 Distilleries, one of which, at Middle-Haddam Landing, is upon a considerable scale, 4 Tanneries, 8 Grain Mills, 12 Saw Mills, 3 Carding Machines and 4 Clothiers' works.

The population of Chatham at the census of 1810, was 3258; and there are about 525 Electors, 2 Companies of Infantry & 1 of Lt. Infantry of Militia, 453 Dwelling houses, 10 Mercantile Stores and 6 Churches.

The corporate divisions of the town consist of 3 located Congregational Societies and 15 School Districts. Besides the located, there are 2 Episcopal Societies and 1 of Baptists.

There are 15 primary Schools, on in each District, and an Academy or Grammar School in the first Society.

There are 5 Social Libraries, 3 Congregational, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Baptist Clergyman, 3 Physicians and 1 Attorney.

The amount of taxable property, including polls, as rated in the list, in 1817, was $53,616.

This town was incorporated in 1767, previously to which it belonged to Middletown.

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

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