National Register Listing

Bronson Windmill

a.k.a. See Also:Greenfield Hill Historic District

3015 Bronson Rd., Fairfield, CT
The Bronson windmill is the last in Fairfield, Connecticut, of many former majestic windmills which once were a familiar sight on the horizon and an important source of water. These are unique symbols of our forebears' achievements and are a trust we must preserve for future generations. The study of the drilling of this "first deep driven well in the area and the building of the 80-foot shingle-covered tower with its tank, underground cistern, and pumping machinery could be a fascinating and useful study in agriculture, conservation, and engineering.

Verna was the 18th-century home site of Timothy Dyright, who became president of Yale College in 1795. The following year the property was bought by Dr. Isaac Bronson. It was the grandson of Isaac Bronson, Frederic Bronson II, financier, who rebuilt Verna, which became a new three-story mansion with extensive grounds and a fam with an excellent and renowned herd of Jersey cattle. The estate was large - two to three hundred acres - and needed more water than could be obtained from rainfall. The first deep-drilled well in the area was dug here and the windmill was erected in 1893-94. It was built on the same large scale as that of the house and was much noticed.

The mill is one of the few local vestiges of the engineering of the 19th century. Letters detailing the method of construction as well as all the measurements of the parts are available for the restoration of the structure, which is expected to begin before snowfall this year.
Local significance of the structure:
Agriculture; Engineering; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

agriculture engineering architecture
The first recorded submarine attack in history occurred in Connecticut during the American Revolution. On September 6, 1776, the American submarine Turtle attempted to attach a bomb to a British ship in New York Harbor, but the mission was ultimately unsuccessful.
Connecticut random facts
Fairfield County, located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Paugussett tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with neighboring tribes. European settlers first arrived in the late 1630s, when men from Hartford purchased land from the Paugussett people, establishing the town of Stratford.

In the 18th century, Fairfield County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The region saw several important battles, including the famous Battle of Ridgefield, where American forces fought against British troops. Fairfield County also served as a strategic location for supplying and supporting the Continental Army, as it provided access to both Long Island Sound and the Hudson River.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfield County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Towns like Norwalk and Bridgeport became major manufacturing centers, producing goods such as textiles, machinery, and firearms. The growth of these industries brought an influx of immigrants to the area, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who played a vital role in its economic development.

Today, Fairfield County is known for its affluent communities, thriving business sectors, and cultural attractions. The county is home to renowned educational institutions, including Yale University in New Haven, and a variety of museums, theaters, and art galleries. With its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and proximity to New York City, Fairfield County continues to attract residents and visitors alike, preserving its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

  • 1639 - Fairfield County is settled by English colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1660 - The town of Fairfield is officially incorporated.
  • 1665 - The town of Norwalk is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1685 - The town of Stamford is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1724 - The town of Danbury is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1739 - The dividing line between Fairfield County and New Haven County is established.
  • 1784 - The town of Ridgefield is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1851 - The town of Bridgeport is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1871 - The town of Greenwich is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1974 - The town of Newtown is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 2000 - Fairfield County becomes the most populous county in Connecticut.