USA > Connecticut > 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 > Part 21
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ticularly or extensively than in other sections, are potatoes, and some other articles for the New- York market.
The waters of the county are abundant, and afford important ad- vantages. In addition to the waters of Long Island sound, which wash- es its southeastern border, and the numerous bays, streams and inlets connected with it, the Ousatonick, (the second river in the State,) washes the eastern and northeast- ern border, for nearly its whole extent.
Of the small streams, which in- tersect and fertilize the different parts of the county, are the Still river, a tributary stream of the Ousatonick ; the Pequonack, which discharges its waters into the sound at Stratford; the Saugatuck, the Ash, Noraton and Miannus riv- ers ; Mill river, Stamford and By- ram river, all of which discharge their waters into the sound; and the latter, for some distance, forms the boundary between this State and New-York.
The principal harbours in the county are Bridgeport, Black Rock, (which is one of the best in the State,) Mill river, Saugatuck, Norwalk, Stamford & Greenwich harbours.
The commercial business of the county is considerable, and consists principally of a coasting trade with New-York. There are between 20 and 30 packets, which ply regu- larly between the various harbours within this county and the city of New-York. In addition to this trade, there are some coasters em- ployed in a trade with the south- ern states ; and at Bridgeport, there is some foreign trade maintained.
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FAIRFIELD.
This county is not distinguished for its manufactures, although, in some sections, a conspicuous manu- facturing spirit exists, and has pro- duced very important results. Of the manufactures which have re- ceived the most attention, are those of hats and flour. In some parts of the county, particularly in Danbury, the manufacture of hats is carried on very extensively, and large quantities are annually sent abroad for a market. In seve- ral towns upon the sound, particu- larly in Stamford, the manufacture of flour, or milling business, is car- ried on to great extent. There are also,several manufactures of leath- er, particularly of shoes, harness work and saddlery, which, in some |
towns, receive considerable atten- tion as articles of exportation.
There are in this county, 1 Forge, 1 Slitting and Rolling Mill, 2 Pa- per Mills, 5 Cotton Factories, 9 Woolen Factories, 29 Fulling Mills and Clothiers' works, 40 Carding Machines, 80 Grain Mills, and 170 Mercantile Stores.
The county contains 74 Religi- ous Societies, 28 School Societies, each of which is divided into a con- venient number of School districts, the limits of a single School, of which there are in all 184,exclusive of Weston, & 23 Social Libraries.
The population of the county, in 1800, was 38,208 ; and in 1810, it was 40,950; and the aggregate list in 1817, was $903,805.
FAIRFIELD.
FAIRFIELD, an ancient ma- ritime post town, and the se- mi-seat of justice of the county, is pleasantly situated upon Long Island sound, 21 miles west from New-Haven, and 58 northeast from New-York ; bounded northwester- ly by Norwalk and Weston, north- easterly by Stratford, southeast- erly by Long Island sound, and southwesterly by the Saugatuck river, which separates it from Norwalk. The township com- prises an area of about 54 square miles ; having a mean length of about 9 miles, from northeast to southwest, and a mean breadth of about 6 miles.
This township, having an inter- esting situation upon the sound, is very pleasant, and affords some beautiful landscapes, which are scarcely surpassed. The surface
[is undulating, or moderately une- ven, presenting an agreeable suc- cession of moderate eminences and gentle declivities.
Upon the sound are considera- ble tracts of salt marsh ; and, pro- ceeding back, the surface has a gradual elevation ; but no portion of the township is mountainous or broken, and it is in general free from stone.
The prevailing soil is a gravelly loam, corresponding with the pri- mitive granitic geological charac- ter of the township. There are some sections of primitive argilla- ceous loam, and some tracts of al- luvial. We know of no minerals in the town ; but in the Society of Greenfield there are several quar- ries of freestone, valuable for building and other purposes. The 'most important is at Blue stono
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hill, about one mile from Green- field Hill village.
About two miles distance from this village is a precipice of about 30 feet in height, being the termi- nation of a granitic ridge, which runs northerly for some distance. This precipice is called Samp mor- tar rock, from the circumstance of there being upon its summit an excavation, in the form of a mor- tar, and of sufficient dimensions to contain a bushel of corn or other grain. It is evidently the work of art; and, according to. the authority of tradition, was us- ed by the native Indians, for the purpose of pounding or grinding their corn. Although with us it may seem difficult to conceive, how this mortar, consisting of so considerable an excavation, in a sol- id granitic stratum, could have been made without the use ofiron tools ; yet it can scarcely be doubted that it was the work of the natives, and for the purposes here noticed. And this opinion is strengthened from the facts, that, in the rich valley south of the rock, was a large Indian town ; and at the ve- ry foot of the precipice there ap- pears to have been a burying ground. It is probable that this mortar was the only and common mill of this town or settlement. Here the primitive inhabitants of our country, in this simple inven- tion, and by a process equally sim- ple yet laborious, pulverized their corn, and supplied themselves with bread stuffs. This mortar, which may be considered as a primitive grain mill, is not more important, as a monument of the aboriginal inhabitants, than as an illustration of the origin and progress of the
arts. This mortar was a great improvement upon the more sim- ple and rude method of pulveri- zing corn, which preceded it,- that of pounding it between two stones. To such rude and simple discoveries as this, can the most noble and useful inventions in the arts be traced.
The natural and agricultural productions of this town are such as are common to the county. The original growth of timber was, at an early period, from a common but lamentable improvidence,prin- cipally destroyed ; so that the fo- rests now existing are of a recent growth, and comprise little timber fit for building. Wood and timber are valuable in this town, and com- mand a high price. It is obser- ved that the texture of the pres- ent growth of timber is firmer than that which was found at the first settlement ; and that the tim- ber growing upon the sound is less porous and tougher than that which grows in the interior. For- merly, wheat was successfully cul- tivated here ; but it cannot now be raised without a liberal use of manure. Indian corn is extensive- ly and successfully cultivated, and may be regarded as the staple production of the town. For some years past, potatoes have been raised in great quantities, and are found a very profitable crop, from the facility which ex- ists of sending them to New-York market. Rye, oats, grass, &c. are cultivated ; and fruits of va- rious kinds receive attention.
This is a rich, agricultural town- ship, and in general in a flourish- ing state of cultivation. The soil is naturally strong and fertile ;
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and the town affords several unu- sual and important sources of ma- nure, of which the inhabitants have recently availed themselves. Sea-weed, which washes from the bottom of Long Island sound, and lodges upon the shore, and sedge, or salt grass, which grows in the salt marshes near the sound, afford a valuable and almost inexhausti- ble manure. Large quantities of . peat are also found in several of the swamps, which supply a valu- able manure. It is collected and thrown into heaps upon the land, where it soon decomposes, giving it a suitable consistence, so that it will readily amalgamate with the soil. It is principally adapted to a dry soil, but is valuable upon almost any kind of land. This peat is also used for the purposes of fuel.
The township is well watered, being washed by Long Island sound, upon its southeastern bor- der, and by the Saugatuck river & harbour, which form a part of its western boundary, and is naviga- ble for vessels of considerable size for nearly three miles, by Mill and Sasco rivers, and Ash creek.
There are three harbours in the town ; Black Rock, Mill river, and Saugatuck harbours. With the exception of New-London, Black Rock is one of the best harbours in the sound ; being safe and com- modious, and having 19 feet of water at the summer tides, below what is called the middle ground.
At the entrance of the harbour, on Fairweather's Island, belong- ing to the United States, and which forms the easterly chop of this har- bour, a light-house has been erect- ed ; a spindle also has been placed
at the " cows," a point of rocks extending a mile into the sound. Vessels can enter and depart from this harbour at any time of the tide. At the head of the bay form- ing this harbour, there is a small settlement, where considerable coasting business is carried on, During the late war, a small fort was erected on a hill, commanding the entrance of this harbour, by the exertions of individuals, in which the State of Connecticut a short time maintained a small body of militia, as a garrison. This fort was found very useful in pro- tecting the coasting trade in the sound from the cruisers of the en- emy. The cannon in this fort were furnished by the U. States.
Mill river harbour is very com- modious for the coasting trade, but has not sufficient depth of wa- ter to admit large vessels. It is formed by the river of the same name; on which, within the dis- tance of two miles, stand 3 large Grain Mills, 2 Fulling Mills and 2 Carding Machines. This har- bour is seldom frozen with suf- ficient firmness to obstruct vessels from passing out into the sound.
Saugatuck harbour is formed by the river bearing the same name ; it has not sufficient depth of wa- ter for large vessels, but is a con- venient harbour for the smaller or ordinary coasters employed in the sound.
The commercial business of this town is very respectable ; there being about 2500 tons of shipping owned here, which is employed in the coasting trade. Oysters, clams, and some other shell fish are taken in the sound, but not to any considerable extent. Former-
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FAIRFIELD.
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ly, they were taken in abundance ; but they have greatly declined, owing, it is thought, to their being taken before they have attained their full growth; which has pre- vented their increase. This evil might be avoided by suitable regu- lations, controlling the fishery. The various kinds of fin fish found in the sound are taken here ; and, in the season, shad are taken in the rivers, and various other fish. Shad are not taken extensively, nor is the fishing business of any description of importance, farther than to supply the demands of the inhabitants of the town.
The town is well accommodated with roads; the great turnpike leading to New-York passes thro' it. This road leads directly through the celebrated Pequot swamp, which is about two miles west of the Court-house.
The manufactures of this town are not extensive or important ; the milling business, however, is carried on to a considerable ex- tent. There are 9 Grain Mills, 4 of which are upon tide water, have several sets of stones each, and are employed principally in flouring wheat, which is brought from other States. Some of these mills have kilns for drying Indian corn, which is afterwards manufac- tured into meal for the foreign markets. The other mills are erected upon the streams of wa- ter, and are employed in custom- ers' business. There are 2 man- ufacturing establishments of wool and cotton, which flourished du- ring the war, but have since de- clined, 2 Fulling Mills and Clo- thiers' works, and 5 Tanneries. There are, in the different parts
of the town, 25 retailing Mercan- tile Stores.
The population of Fairfield, in 1810, was 4135, and there are about 500 Electors, 3 Companies of Infantry, part of a Company of Cavalry, and the principal part of a Company of Artillery, of militia, and about 550 Dwelling houses. The aggregate list of the town, in 1817, was $86,872.
The civil divisions of Fairfield consist of 3 located Congregation- al Societies or Parishes, Fairfield, Greenfield and Greensfarms ; and 16 School Districts. A part of the Society of Stratfield is within the limits of this town. Besides the located Societies, there is a Society of Episcopalians, a Socie- ty of Baptists and a Society of Me- thodists. Each of these religious Societies is provided with a house. for public worship. There are 4: Clergymen, 7 Attornies, and 5 Physicians. There are 16 prima- ry Schools, one in each District, and 3 Academies, which are well established and respectable. There are 2 Social Libraries, one in the Society of Fairfield, and one in Greenfield, which contain a re- spectable collection of well selec- ted books, and are flourishing. There are four villages within the town ; Fairfield, Greenfield Hill, Saugatuck and Mill river. The ancient village of Fairfield is situa- ated upon the great stage road. It has a very pleasant site, and is considerable of a settlement, al- though it has never entirely reco- vered from the devastation which it experienced during the revolu- tion. It is built principally up- on one street; in the centre of which is an interesting green,
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HISTORY.
upon which the Court House is situated. Here there is a Post office, a Congregational Church. a flourishing Academy, the Coun- ty Gaol, and a number of hand- some Dwelling houses.
Greenfield Hill is justly celebra- ted for its elevated, prospective and beautiful situation. It stands on a commanding eminence, near- ly in the centre of the township ; being about three miles north- wardly from Long Island sound, of which it affords a view as far as the eye can reach. On this emi- nence, in the centre of a flourish- ing village, is a spacious court- yard or green, upon which stand a Congregational Church and an Academy. From the belfry of the church, in this village, may be seen ten other churches. It is presumed that no other spot in Connecticut affords a prospect so extensive and delightful; the coun- try upon the Ousatonick may be distinctly seen at the distance of ten miles ; and, in every direction, the view is extensive, diversified and interesting ; the surrounding country being thickly settled, in a high state of cultivation, and in the summer months clothed with the richest verdure. In this vil- lage, vessels are daily seen passing up and down the sound, being in full view ; and, at times, nearly one hundred sail of different des- criptions, consisting of ships, brigs, schooners and sloops, including the steam-boat, may be seen. Here there are a number of neat and handsome Dwelling houses, and a flourishing Academy, which was established and maintained for twelve years by the late President Dwight. Whilst under his direc-
tion, it acquired a high reputation, which has since been maintained, and it is now a flourishing semina - ry; and a more eligible situation for youth cannot well be selected. The Custom-house for Fairfield district is kept at this place.
Mill River is a flourishing ma- ritime village. Its trade is great- er than that of any other settle- ment in the town, and consists of a coasting trade with New-York and the southern ports, which is carried on extensively, and gene- rally to advantage. It also has the advantages of a considerably ex- tensive and fertile back country. It is the most wealthy village in the town, and is not probably ex- ceeded by any of its size in the county.
The village of Saugatuck, situ- ated about two miles from the mouth of the river of the same name, has considerable trade, and is a flourishing and prosperous set- tlement ; but during the winter, the harbour is obstructed by the ice. Here there is an Academy and a Post office.
HISTORY. The tract of coun- try which now forms the town of Fairfield was discovered by the pursuit of the Pequots, in the year 1637, along the shore of Long IsI- and sound, over the territory which now comprises the towns of Kil- lingworth, Guilford, Branford, New- Haven, Milford and Stratford, to the great swamp, which to this day bears the name of that tribe, by Capt. Mason, who commanded the troops of Connecticut and Massachusetts. This is the swamp where the great fight took place, between the troops of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and the Pe-
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HISTORY.
quots, in 1637 ; which terminated in the almost entire annihilation of that once powerful and warlike nation of savages.
Having been greatly pleased with the appearance of this coun- try, Mr. Ludlow, who was a ma- gistrate in the colony of Connec- ticut, and had accompanied Capt. Mason, in order to assist him with his counsel, in the year 1639, with eight or ten families, re- moved from Windsor, and com- menced the settlement of the pre- sent town of Fairfield. They were shortly afterwards joined by seve- ral persons from Watertown, and others from Concord ; and the in- habitants soon became numerous, and formed themselves into a dis- tinct township, under the juris- diction of Connecticut. They came from these several towns about the same time ; and soon afterwards purchased of the In- dians that large tract of country which comprises the parishes of Fairfield,Greenfield, Greensfarms, and that part of Stratfield lying within the town of Fairfield, all the town of Weston, and a consi- derable part of the town of Read- ing. After Connecticut obtan- ed a charter, the General As- sembly granted these people a pa- tent.
Having obtained this patent, the proprietors soon after divided the territory purchased into lots, which run from near the shore of the sound, back about ten miles, reser- ving suitable highways, running parallel to and at right angles with these lots, the course of which was north, 28 degrees west. These highways were laid entirely straight for ten miles ; but have
since been altered in many places.
As but a small part of this ex- tensive tract of land had been oc- cupied, previously to the time when Sir Edmund Andross made his appearance in Connecticut, the inhabitants of this town adopted this plan of dividing their purchase, to prevent their wild lands back from being taken from them ; sup- posing that, as they were actually in the occupation of the front of their lots, they might be considered as possessing the whole ; so far as to render it private property, and not subject to the disposal of the Brit- ish government. The lots were of different width ; some being about ten rods wide, while others were fifty rods in width. Each propri- etor had set to him a lot, the width of which was probably re- gulated by the amount of the mo- ney paid by such proprietor ; as in measuring off these lots, regard was had to inches, which shows a precise arithmetical calculation. Each of these lots has to this day been called by the name of the first proprietor, although a very considerable proportion of them are owned by persons of different names. Nearly in the centre of this town was reserved a tract, one mile in extent, which was not divided, and was called the mile of common. Greenfield Hill is within the limits of this tract.
This town, at an early period. became wealthy and populous, and sent deputies to the General As- sembly in Connecticut, at Hart- ford ; while Stamford, west of it, was under the government of New- Haven.
Although the towns of Reading and Weston were formed from the
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DANBURY.
town of Fairfield, yet this town, owing to the fertility of its soil, and the numerous advantages with which it is favoured for commerce, has ever stood among the first towns in Connecticut, in point of wealth and population.
This town suffered very severe- ly during the revolutionary war. Perhaps a more aggravated in- stance of wanton barbarity cannot be found in the annals of civilized nations, than the burning of this place by the direction of Tryon.
" Tryon achieved the deed malign, " Tryon, the name for every sin ; " Hells blackest fiends the flame survey'd,
" And smil'd to see destruction spread;
" While Satan, blushing deep, look'd on,
" And infamy disown'd her son !"
The part of the town which suf- fered by the plundering and burn- ing of the British was the village in the centre of the parish of Fair- field. Eighty-five dwelling houses were consumed; two churches, one elegant court house, several school houses, together with out houses, barns, &c. shared the same fate. These wretches plundered the church of a service of plate !
The distress occasioned by this event was extreme ; many of the inhabitants having been compelled to flee for their lives to the parish
of Greenfield, were reduced to absolute want; but were there generously and humanely enter- tained for a considerable time.
The event took place on the 9th of July, 1779 ; a day. which every honourable and feeling mind, nay, every mind not, benumbed with brutal apathy, will recollect with unutterable horror!
The General Assembly, soon af- ter the burning of this village, granted to the Presbyterian Socie- ty of Fairfield, 600 pounds out of the avails of the confiscated estates of the tories, to assist that Society in re-building their meeting house.
In the year 1792, a grant of lands was made to the individuals of this, and of other towns, who sustained losses during the war by the British troops; and those who have not disposed of their lands will, by the rise of them, undoubtedly realize the full amount of their respective losses.
The Episcopal Church, (which was an elegant building,) and the parsonage house, were burnt at the same time; but the Society to which they belonged, have never received any thing from the trea- sury of this State, on that account.
At the session of the General Assembly, in May 1818, a lottery was granted to the Episcopal So- ciety in this town, as a remunera- tion for their loss.
DANBURY.
DANBURY, the semi-seat of justice of the county, and a flour- ishing agricultural and manufactur- ing post township, is situated in
the northwestern section of the county, 58 miles southwest from Hartford, 35 northwest from New- Haven, and about 65 miles north-
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DANBURY .:
east from New-York ; bounded on the north by New-Fairfield, on the east by Brookfield and Newtown, on the south by Reading, and on the west by Ridgefield. Its mean length is 8 and a half miles, and its mean breadth more than 6 miles ; comprising an area of about 53 square miles.
This is a rich agricultural town- ship ; its geological character be- ing primitive ; the rocks consist- ing of granite,gneiss, with some pri- mitive limestone. The soil, or su- per stratum,is in general a gravelly loam, interspersed with some sec- tions of sandy loam, and some of calcareous, and is warm, feasible and fertile.
The face of the country is un- dulating, and pleasantly diversifi- ed ; being characterized by gentle hills and dales, with some mode- rate ridges, running in a northerly and southerly direction. In the calcareous strata there are some appearances of marble, some quar- ries of which have been opened.
Of the waters of the town, Still river is the only considerable stream; it discharges, itself into the Ousatonick. Upon this stream, which passes through the centre of the town, there are several ma- nufacturing establishments.
The natural growth of timber consists of oak, walnut, chesnut and other species of hard wood.
The agricultural interests em- brace most of the staple produc- tions, both of a system of grazing and'of a grain culture. Of the latter, wheat, rye, Indian corn and oats ; of the former, cattle, sheep, beef, cheese and butter are the principal.
Of the manufactures of the town, that of hats is the most im- portant, and the business most. ex- tensively carried on. This is an important manufacturing interest, and employs a large portion of in- dustry, and considerable capital. There are 28 Hat Factories in the town, some of which are upon an extensive scale. The products of these establishments form a respec- table item of exportation ; they being sent principally to the south- ern States for a market. Some are sent to New-York and else- where. Besides the manufactures. of hats, there are 2 Woolen Facto- tories upon a large scale, 3 Fulling Mills and Cloth Dressing establish- ments, 4 Carding Machines for cus- tomers, 3 Grain Mills, 1 Paper Mill and 4 Tanneries. There are also several lime kilns, from which considerable quantities of lime are produced.
Danbury comprises two located Congregational Societies or Pa- rishes, and 17 School Districts. Besides the located, there are 2 Societies of Baptists, 1 of Episco- palians, 1 of Methodists, and 1 of Sandemanians. In the first locat- ted Society, there is a large, flou- rishing and interesting village. It is built principally upon one street, which for more than a mile exhi- bits an almost continued range of buildings, consisting of Dwelling houses, Mercantile Stores, Hat Factories, Mechanics' Shops, &c. Within one mile and a quarter, there are more than 100 Dwelling houses, with a great proportion of other buildings. There are alsoa Court house, 2 Churches and a Post office in the village. The
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