History of Norwich, Connecticut

In 1659, Saybrook settlers commanded by Major John Mason and Reverend James Fitch founded Norwich. The land was purchased from Uncas, Sachem of the local Mohegan tribe. Early settlement was centered around Norwichtown Green. A landing near the base of Yantic Falls was utilized to deliver supplies. By 1684, settlers had authorized a new public landing at the head of the Thames River, the current location of the city center.

Better landing facilities attracted larger vessels and stimulated the expansion of commerce. Eastern Connecticut's interior plantations and forests were traded in the West Indies for sugar, molasses, and rum. Midway through the eighteenth century, the estuary was home to a thriving colonial seaport known as Chelsea Landing.

At the conclusion of the French and Indian War in 1763, more restrictive British trade policies and the Stamp Act of 1764 sparked extensive unrest throughout the colonies. One response was to substitute imported English goods with locally produced goods. During this time, Christopher Leffingwell began producing paper, pottery, chocolate, and hosiery.

When resistance to British rule burst into an open revolution, Norwich's military and political leaders played crucial roles. Jedidiah Huntington was George Washington's aide-de-camp. Samuel Huntington, a cousin, served in the Continental Congress and was its president during the 1781 adoption of the Articles of Confederation. Norwich-born Revolutionary War hero Benedict Arnold has become infamous for his treachery.

In the early 20th century, rapid industrial development transformed Norwich into a contemporary urban center. In 1892, electric carriages were introduced. Spaulding Pond is the focal point of Mohegan Park, which was founded in 1907 through private donations and purchase. In the same year, Lowthorpe Meadows, another significant green space, was set aside by private benefactors.

In the latter part of the nineteenth century, immigrants from French Canada, southern and eastern Europe, the Cape Verde islands, and other regions, as well as internal migrants from the American South, reshaped the city. Their expertise and labor aided the city's enterprises and businesses. The newcomers' introduction of new churches, cultural organizations, and self-help organizations significantly enriched the city's diversity as they settled in various neighborhoods. Recent arrivals in Norwich have included Haitians, Spanish-speakers from Central and South America, and primarily Chinese Asians.

During the 20th century, civic organizations played a vital role in city improvement. In 1904, Norwich, a progressive metropolis, took over public utilities. In 1951, the city administration was reorganized as a council/manager structure. A 2001 revision to the city's charter reinstated the position of mayor while retaining the city manager.

Norwich is a flourishing city with a stable population, comprehensive municipal services, a modern industrial park and a minor-league baseball team, its own publicly-owned electric, gas, and water utility, and a positive outlook for residential and commercial growth. Learn more about the geography of Norwich, Connecticut.