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 Bibliography 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: Caleb B. Rogers Biography: Click Here
Added: Winslow Tracy Williams Biography: Click Here
Added: Sarah Osgood Biography: Click Here
Added: John C. Perkins Biography: Click Here
Added: George W. Kies Biography: Click Here
Added: William Henry Huntington Biography: Click Here
1795-1875 Ralph Farnsworth
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
Ralph Farnsworth pursued his medical education under the tutelage of Dr. John C. Warren in Boston, completing his MD at Harvard Medical School in 1826, for which his thesis was awarded the prestigious Boylston Prize. That same year, he relocated to Norwich to establish his medical practice, initiating a lifelong professional journey in the town. Physically robust, standing six feet tall and weighing nearly two hundred pounds, he possessed an immense capacity for continuous, dedicated work. Dr. Willard Parker famously described him as “several men in one” due to his outstanding mental and physical capabilities.
Over nearly five decades in Norwich, Dr. Farnsworth built one of eastern Connecticut’s most successful medical practices. Rather than practicing medicine routinely, he actively integrated cutting-edge discoveries in medicine and general science to benefit his patients.
Beyond his practice, he held strong convictions and actively participated in public movements. He was an early, vocal opponent of slavery, arguing against it first within the Whig party and later as an ardent supporter of the newly formed Republican Party. His clear logic, kindness, and tender sympathies made him a trusted figure to whom Norwich residents of all backgrounds turned in times of trouble.
Click HERE to learn more about Dr. Farnsworth
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” is published here every Friday.
The next issue will appear here on Friday, October 16
Dr. Ralph Farnsworth
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An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Company. Click image to see.
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees