Historical Markers in
Middlesex County, Connecticut

24th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers Monument A Seafaring Town Abraham Pierson Adrian Block / Dutch Exploration American Legion Post 113 Memorial American Legion Post 184 Memorial Battlefields of the Pequot War Battlefields of the Pequot War Battlefields of the Pequot War Battlefields of the Pequot War Battlefields of the Pequot War Bigelow Tavern British Raid 1814 Charles Morgan Charter Oak Tree Chester Chester Veterans Monument Chester World War I Monument Chester World War II – Korea Memorial Chester-Hadlyme Ferry Clinton Clinton Soldiers Monument Clinton Veterans Monument Collegiate School in Old Saybrook and Yale University Columbia Commodore Thomas Macdonough Comstock Covered Bridge Congregation Adath Israel Congregational Church Bell Connecticut Valley Railroad Roundhouse & Turntable Site Cromwell Cromwell World War I Monument Cypress Cemetery Danforth Pewter Shop Deep River Roll Of Honor - World War I Deep River Veterans Memorial deKoven House Community Center Doctor Samuel Eliot House Durham Durham Veterans Monument Early Essex Village East Haddam East Haddam Persian Gulf War Monument East Haddam Veterans Memorial East Hampton Essex Essex Square Essex Veterans Memorial Essex Veterans Monument Field of Flags First Site of Yale College Fort Saybrook – 1635 Founders Rock Goodspeed Opera House Haddam Haddam Veterans Monument Henry Clay Work Hills Academy In Honor Of Our Fallen Comrades In Memoriam It Happened Here! Ivoryton Jehosaphat Starr House John L. Levitow Memorial Lane Killingworth Killingworth Veterans Monument Lady Alice Fenwick Lighthouses and River Pilots Lion Gardiner Maj. Gen. Joseph Spencer Middlefield Middlefield 9/11 Memorial Middlefield Honor Roll Middlefield-Rockfall Vietnam War Monument Middlefield-Rockfall World War II and Korean Conflict Monument Middletown Middletown and the Civil War Middletown and the Connecticut River Middletown Honor Roll Middletown in the 1600s Middletown in the 1700s Middletown in the 1800s Middletown in the 1900s Middletown Korea Vietnam Monument Middletown Soldiers Monument Middletown Upper Houses Middletown World War I Monument Middletown World War II Monument Moses Austin Birthplace Near This Site In 1750 Old City Hall Bell Old Saybrook Old Saybrook Old Saybrook Historical Society Old Saybrook Historical Society and the General William Hart House Old Saybrook Veterans Memorial Old Saybrook World War I Monument PFC Jack H. Curry USMC Piano Works Portland Brownstone Portland Civil War Memorial Roll of Honor Russell House Russell Library Say Brooke Fort Say-Brooke Settling Middletown Site Of Haddam Town Hall Site of Old Town Hall Soldiers' Memorial St. John Church St. Sebastian Church The Abolitionist Movement The Connecticut River The Connecticut Valley Railroad The deKoven House The Fenwicks The Ferry The Freedom Church The General Mansfield House The Onrust The Pequot War The Saybrook Bar The Underground Railroad The Wangunks and Indian Hill Third Meetinghouse Thirty Mile Island Plantation Burying Ground This Cannon Veterans Memorial Lane Warship Oliver Cromwell Washington Green We Honor the Elephant Welcome to Fort Saybrook Welcome to Fort Saybrook Wesleyan University’s “College Row” Westbrook Honor Roll Westbrook Honor Roll Korean Conflict Westbrook Honor Roll Vietnam Conflict Westbrook World War II Monument Westbrook’s Civil War Soldiers William A. O’Neill William J. Johnston Winthrop and the Warwick Patent Yale College Yale College Site
The Connecticut River, which flows through the state, played a key role in the early settlement and development of Connecticut. The river provided a means of transportation for goods and people, and many of the state's early towns and cities were established along its banks.
Connecticut random facts
Middlesex County is located in the state of Connecticut and has a rich historical background that dates back to the early colonial period. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wangunks and the Mattabesecks. In 1662, the English settlement of Middlesex County began when the Connecticut General Assembly designated the area as a separate county.

During the American Revolutionary War, Middlesex County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Middletown, the county seat, served as a center for military operations and a base for the Continental army. The county's maritime activity also contributed to the war efforts, as its ports were used for privateering, a form of legalized piracy against British ships.

In the 19th century, Middlesex County saw significant growth and development. The advent of industrialization led to the establishment of textile mills, clock factories, and other manufacturing enterprises. This economic boom brought an influx of immigrants, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who added to the county's cultural diversity.

The county's prominence continued into the 20th century with the founding of Wesleyan University in Middletown. The university has a significant impact on the local economy and contributes to the county's educational landscape. Middlesex County also witnessed industrial decline in the late 20th century, as many manufacturing plants closed their doors.

Today, Middlesex County is known for its historic charm, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant communities. It attracts tourists with its historic sites like Gillette Castle State Park and the Indian Hill Cemetery. The county also offers a range of recreational activities, including boating on the Connecticut River, hiking in state parks, and exploring charming towns like Essex and Old Saybrook.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Middlesex County, Connecticut.

  • 1636: Middlesex County is established by the Connecticut General Court.
  • 1700s: The county experiences rapid growth and becomes an important center for shipbuilding, trade, and agriculture.
  • 1785: Middletown, located in Middlesex County, becomes the county seat.
  • 1800s: The county's economy continues to flourish with the growth of manufacturing industries, including textile mills and ironworks.
  • 1860s: Middlesex County plays a role in the American Civil War, providing soldiers and resources to the Union Army.
  • 20th century: The county's economy transforms with the decline of traditional industries and the rise of service industries.
  • 1960s: Middlesex County experiences suburbanization, with population growth and the development of residential areas.
  • 1995: The county celebrates its 350th anniversary, highlighting its rich history and contributions to Connecticut.