The town maintains its hometown rural atmosphere, while closely managing its growth. It boasts a land trust which owns nearly 200 acres of open space featuring trails and wildlife. Today the town boasts two historic districts and one historic property which include some lovely houses from the early days and more modern homes that blend in with the rural character of the town. There is a land trust which manages over 170 acres of open space that includes hiking trails and wildlife observation areas.

Harwinton was the birthplace of Collis P. Huntington, who would become one of the greatest railroad builders the country would ever know. Theodore A. Hungerford was also born here and would become a very successful publisher in Chicago and New York. He left a trust which was used to build and maintain the town’s first library. The beautiful Carnege style building is now used to house the T. A. Hungerford Memorial Museum.

The Harwinton Historical Society has restored a one-room schoolhouse and it, along with their barn museum, is used to demonstrate early life here including many early artifacts.

Throughout New England there are numerous stone walls but none are prettier than the miles of beautiful stone walls here in Harwinton.

Harwinton is the gateway to Litchfield County and in 2012 celebrated its 275th birthday. Over those years the landscape has certainly changed but one thing that will never change is the community spirit of a New England small town. Throughout the seasons there are numerous community functions that keep this spirit alive. It’s a great place to visit and a wonderful place to call “HOME”.

In 1680 the Colony of Connecticut was concerned that its charter would be taken away by the British Government, and that the “Western Lands” (now most of Litchfield County) might be lost. Consequently the entire northwest corner of Connecticut was given to the Hartford and Windsor plantations for safekeeping. When the threat passed the General Assembly asked to have the land back. Hartford and Windsor refused and they claimed ownership based on the fact that the land was given to them. In 1726 the dispute was settled through arbitration. The Colony was given back the western portion of the entire area, while Hartford and Windsor retained the eastern section. Hartford became sole owner of “East Harwinton” and Windsor sole owner of “West Harwinton”. In 1732 the Towns settlement began with Daniel Messenger being the first to settle here. As more people migrated the two halves were put back together in anticipation of being declared a single township by a vote of the General Assembly.

100 Bentley Drive
Harwinton, CT 06791

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See and Do

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