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.
Norwich History: It Never Gets Old …
Fire has always been an awesome force of nature. On August 29, 1912 an horrific fire destroyed almost all the business enterprises on Norwich’s Central Wharf. One man and one horse died in the flames. Norwich’s Fire Chief, Howard L. Stanton, estimated the damage at $171,000 ($5.5 million in 2025 dollars).
The conflagration was spectacular in the extreme. It burned coal and lumber sending up flames to a height of a hundred fee, while vast showers of sparks rose up and were carried by a strong breeze from the wharf to the heart of the city. Fortunately, the wind changed course, about an hour after the fire began, and the dangerous sparks were carried southward to the river.
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Recent Updates to IconicNorwich.org
Added: 1912 Central Wharf Fire: Click Here
Added: 1909 Shannon Building Fire: Click Here
Added: 1914 Fire Truck Accident: Click Here
Updated: Wawecus Hill Gold Mining Co.: Click Here
1912 Central Wharf
Destroyed by Fire
An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Co.
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