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 during the 300 year period of 1659-1959. The site provides quick and easy access to a large collection of media, which focuses on Norwich’s historical events, places and many other tidbits.
This site is completely free of charge
The site provides more than 500 short articles and many historical Norwich maps. The articles are organized into 32 categories. The Media Library connects you to thousands of Norwich historical web-based links. Several quizzes 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.
Norwichtown Green 1836
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-day 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.
Click button below to explore 300 years of Norwich history.
Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
The next update for this website will be June 12
Updated Map: 1893 Norwich Town & City: Click Here
Added Fourth Congregational Church ~ Greeneville: Click Here
Added Article: Third Congregational Church: Click Here
Updated Article: 1907 – Buffalo Bill Visits Norwich: Click Here
Updated Article: Wawecus Gold Mining Company: Click Here
1836 Norwichtown Green
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An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Co.
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