Town: Kent Population: 3,095 Area: 49.6 square miles Elementary School: Kent Center High School: Housatonic Valley Regional Private Schools: Kent School, Marvelwood School, South Kent School

Kent Falls State Park

The first English-language description of the area that became Kent is from a journal quoted in Charles Grant’s book Democracy in the Connecticut Frontier Town of Kent. The writer referred to the region as a “hideous, howling wilderness.” From those inauspicious beginnings, Kent grew to become a thriving colonial village first incorporated in 1739.

The original incorporators, whose names are still associated with our roads, districts and natural features, built a community based upon agriculture, mills and the mining of iron ore. Kent’s economic zenith was probably reached at about the time of the Civil War with a robust farm economy (principally dairy and tobacco) and the production of iron from several furnaces. As both industries moved west to more easily tilled farmland and larger iron deposits, Kent lapsed into rural isolation only to reawaken in the early 20th century with the founding of the Kent School and the initial wave of artists and writers who discovered that this haven of rural tranquility was only 90 miles from New York and that land was cheap. Summer camps followed as did a cottage industry of taking in summer boarders (New Yorkers who spent several weeks vacationing on working farms – a precursor of today’s bed and breakfasts).

Today, Kent is a destination for those looking to buy second homes, retire or simply enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle. Our population includes descendents of the original settlers, well-known members of the literary, theatrical and political communities, and those who have chosen to retire in the town where they once went to school or camp.

Kent has perhaps more of its area preserved from development than any other town in the state. Three state parks (Macedonia Brook, Kent Falls and Lake Waramaug), two state forests, a long, permanently protected stretch of the Appalachian Trail, Pond Mountain Natural Area, and numerous tracts owned or protected by the Kent Land Trust and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust. Kent’s future as a scenic haven seems secure.

Kent is now home to three well-regarded, private schools (Kent School, South Kent School and the Marvelwood School). The village which has retained its Victorian-era architecture is a delightful mix of art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops that draw visitors from all over New England.

Town Links:
--Town Hall
--Chamber of Commerce
--Historical Society


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