National Register Listing

Cannondale Historic District

Roughly bounded by Cannon, Danbury and Seeley Rds., Wilton, CT
Cannondale Historic District is significant because it embodies the distinctive architectural and cultural-landscape characteristics of a small commercial center as well as an agricultural community from the early national period through the early 20th century. The historic uses of the properties in the district include virtually the full array of human activity in this region -- farming, residential, religious, educational, community groups (the Grange), small-scale manufacturing, transportation, and even government (the building that housed the first Cannondale Post Office). The close physical relationship among all these uses, as well as the informal character of the commercial enterprises before the rise of more aggressive techniques to attract consumers, capture some of the texture of life as lived by prior generations. The buildings also include excellent examples of Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, and Colonial Revival houses; vernacular houses from the entire period of significance; barns from the 19th century; a range of school buildings from early examples that resemble houses to the B.F. Brown Boarding School, with its clearly institutional character; and specialized buildings such as the railroad depot. The historic significance of the district (Criterion A) derives from its changing role in the life of the town, from clusters of farmsteads around a small centrally located gristmill to an important commercial district in Wilton once the railroad opened in 1852, to an area whose commercial presence substantially declined upon the advent of automotive transport and whose bucolic qualities then attracted an increasing degree of leisure use beginning in the early 20th century.
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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.

commerce education architecture
Connecticut is known as the "Constitution State" because the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which was adopted in 1639, is considered to be one of the first written constitutions in the world.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.