Branford, CT
Branford, Connecticut is an old town located on the Long Island Sound. It has been settled for the past 300 years with ownership being transferred from Native Americans, to the Dutch and finally to the United States. If you are looking for a historic place to live, Branford is the place for you.
History
Throughout
history, the citizens of Branford have contributed to every aspect of the
nation’s growth. The earliest inhabitants of the area, then called
“Totoket” or Land of the Tidal
River, were, of course,
Native Americans. Part of Middletown’s
larger Mattabeseck tribe, the Totokets were “discovered” by Dutch explorer
Adriaen Block in the early 1600s.
After the
area was settled by the English in 1644, the town’s name became Branford—presumably
after Brentford, England, Branford’s official sister city. Life for early
settlers was centered primarily on the town green, where the church was
located. And while farming was always a mainstay of local life, Branford’s deep
harbor made it an accessible port, and by the 18th century growth was steady.
When the railroad came in 1852, big industry came with it, including Norcross
Brothers Granite Quarry, which would supply the granite used on the Statue of
Liberty.
European immigration continued, with the Irish in 1854, the Scandinavian and
British quarry workers in the 1880s, and the Eastern Europeans, Germans,
Italians, and others in the 1890s. But perhaps the period of greatest
transition was the turn of the 20th century, when the town became a summer
resort area. On a typical July weekend between 1900 and 1910, as many as 10,000
visitors would descend by rail, trolley, or steamship.
Although by
the onset of World War 1, both immigration and tourism were in decline, it was
not until the end of World War II, with the baby boom and the turnpike opening,
that Branford shed its resort and farm town image and grew into its new
suburban identity.
The Branford of today reflects the architectural and cultural diversity of its
rich past. Although large industry has disappeared, the community moves into
the 21st century adapting to the inevitable changes and challenges that have
defined its history and established its place in America.
Parks And Recreation
The parks and recreation system in Branford is one of the best in the state. You can take a hike, take your dog for a walk or play a game of softball with your friends in the same place. If you enjoy watching the leaves change or just enjoy being outside on a warm spring afternoon, you won't be disappointed by the options available to you.
Attractions
Branford has several buildings that appear on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Harrison House and Museum is one of the oldest buildings in the town as it was built in 1724. Seal watching cruises take place during the early spring months for those who are interested in marine life. The University of Connecticut is also located close to the Branford area. Several minor league hockey and baseball teams are located within a reasonable driving distance from Branford. Currently, Branford resident Mike Ott plays for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball.
Events
There are
many events that take place on an annual basis in the town of Branford. Carolers go around the town during
the Christmas season and entertainers keep the locals happy with summer music
and art events. If you like roller derby, there is a successful team in the
area that plays its games during the fall and winter months.
Real estate in Branford goes quickly. Therefore, you need to talk to a real
estate agent right away to get the inside track on any property that you are
interested in. A real estate agent will also be happy to answer any questions
that you have about the area when you are in town.