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: Chief John A. Bowen Biography: Click Here
Added: Gustave Geduldig Biography: Click Here
Added: Rev. Hiram P. Arms Biography: Click Here
Added: W. Tyler Olcott Biography: Click Here
Added: Howard L. Stanton Biography: Click Here
1843-1910 Chief John A. Bowen
Norwich History … It Never Gets Old
John A. Bowen was appointed the first paid Chief of Police for the city of Norwich on April 1, 1889. He spent a total of 35 years in the Norwich Police Department and retired on July 1, 1904.
He was born May 25, 1843, in Voluntown, CT., located then in Windham County and now New London County, CT. He was one of six boys and four girls born to Philip A. and Charlotte C. Gardner Bowen. His twin brother, James, died at sixteen months. At an early age, John’s family moved to Westerly, where he attended local schools until, at age eighteen, he volunteered to join Company G, 5th Connecticut Infantry Regiment.
During the Civil War, the 5th Infantry fought in 23 engagements, including Winchester, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He was taken prisoner on August 9, 1862, during the battle at Cedar Mountain, VA. Bowen spent time in the Libby and Belle Isle prisons and was released in November as part of a prisoner exchange, after which he returned to his regiment. Two years later, during the siege of Atlanta, John was wounded in his right hand at Resaca, GA, in May 1864. He recovered and, after 4 years of duty, survived the war, mustering out on July 17, 1865.
After returning to Norwich, he married and joined the city’s police force.
Click HERE to learn more about Chief John A. Bowen
Click HERE to read previous “Norwich History … It Never Gets Old” articles
“Norwich History … It Never Gets Old,” is published here bi-monthly on Fridays.
Next issue will appear on May 29
Chief of Police John A. Bowen
* Place cursor over image to magnify
An historical fiction novel by Bob Dees about Norwich's 1850s Gold Mining Co.
Click On Image To Learn More
The IconicNorwich.org website was designed, developed, and is maintained by Bob Dees