Town: New MIlford, CT Population: 28,667 Area: 63.7 square miles Elementary Schools: Hill & Plain, Northville, John Pettibone, Sarah Noble, Schagticoke High School: New MIlford High Private School: Canterbury School

New MIlford's Bank Street

New Milford celebrated its Tri-Centennial in July 2007 commemorating the arrival of John Noble and his daughter, Sarah, who were soon joined by other families who eventually settled on the gentle hills east of the Housatonic River around what became the town green (today’s commercial center). The largest town (in terms of land mass) in Connecticut, the early settlers petitioned the Colonial Assembly for recognition which was granted and the town was formally organized and incorporated in 1712.

New Milford quickly became the an agricultural and commercial center and by the time of the American Revolution had a population of 2776, from which it sent 286 men to fight in the 7th Connecticut Regiment which saw action in the Battles of Brandywine Creek, Germantown, and Monmouth. Roger Sherman, for whom the neighboring town of Sherman is named, was an early resident and a prominent figure among the founding fathers (having been the only man to sign all four of the documents that led to the creation of our country—The Articles of Association, The Declaration of Independence, The Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution).

By the middle of the 19th century, New Milford had became the economic hub for the region. The first train arrived in 1840 from Bridgeport, opening the way for more robust trade and access to markets. The manufacture of hats, buttons, paint and varnish, furniture, pottery, and pasteboard contributed to the town’s growth and prosperity. These industries grew and then declined only to be replaced in the mid-20th century by firms like Kimberly-Clark, Nestle, and Scoville Manufacturing—all creating an economic and job growth boom.

The last half of the century has seen New Milford become a bedroom community housing employees from the cities to the south. The principal highway (Route 7) has become a thriving, if traffic choked, commercial strip. Yet New Milford has enjoyed significant success in holding on to key elements of its heritage and natural resources. A regional land trust (Weantinogue Heritage), the Elliot Pratt Nature Center, Sunny Valley Preserve, and Hunt Hill Farm are evidence of the community’s determination to preserve its environment and quality of life. The Town Green and the revitalized Bank Street give further evidence of this ongoing commitment.

Today, New Milford is home to writers, artists, and theatrical personalities. Perhaps its most famous resident is the one who never lived there at all. The 1940's movie Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House was made from the novel of the same name by Eric Hodgins who based the fictional account upon the often hilarious encounters he had building his own home in northern New Milford.



Town Links:
--Official Town Site
--Historical Society

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