Iconic Norwich - Iconic Norwich

Experience 300 Years of Norwich History

The primary goal of this website is to educate the public about Norwich, Connecticut’s rich heritage and history spanning the 300-year period from 1659 to 1959. The site offers quick and easy access to an extensive collection of media, focusing on Norwich’s historical events, places, and other interesting tidbits.

This site is entirely free of charge

IconicNorwich.org features over 3,000 concise articles and numerous historical maps of Norwich. The articles are organized into more than 30 categories. The Media Library connects you to thousands of historical web-based links from Norwich. Several quizzes, prepared presentations, and crossword puzzles are provided to enhance the learning environment.

You are invited to add or contribute to new or existing placemarks by filling out the form in the “Contribute Article” section.

Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org

Added: Norwich’s Historic Churches Category: Click Here

Added: 1887-Present: Congregation Brothers of Joseph: Click Here

Added: 1874-Present: Park Congregational Church: Click Here

Added: 1842-1854: Main Street Congregational Church: Click Here

Added: 1796-1959: First Methodist Church ~ Bean Hill: Click Here

Norwich History … It Never Gets Old

Norwich was founded in 1659 by settlers from Saybrook led by Major John Mason and Congregational Church minister, Reverend James Fitch. The land was purchased from the local Mohegan tribe, led by their Sachem, Uncas. The early settlement was around the Norwichtown Green, shown on the right.

Supplies were brought from a landing near the base of Yantic Falls. By 1684, settlers authorized a new public landing at the head of the Thames River, site of the present downtown.

Norwich was incorporated in 1784 and was one of the first five Connecticut cities. The abundant waterpower available on the Yantic and Shetucket rivers powered textile factories, which dominated the local economy by the mid-1800s.

This website offers a free, user-friendly tool for exploring the history of Norwich from 1659 to 1959. IconicNorwich.org offers more than 30 Historical Categories.

Click the link below to get started.