Harwinton is a charming, small town situated in the picturesque Litchfield Hills area of Connecticut, originally incorporated in 1737. Its unique name is derived from a fusion of three nearby settlements: Hartford, Windsor, and Farmington. As of 2025, the town boasts a population of around 5,688 residents and covers approximately 31.1 square miles, providing a serene rural atmosphere with rolling hills and natural beauty. Beyond its quiet appeal, Harwinton includes two designated historic districts featuring well-preserved homes from its early colonial era mixed with contemporary residences. History buffs can explore sites like the First District School House, Barn Museum, Harwinton Congregational Church, and South Cemetery, which highlight the town's rich heritage. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the local land trust properties, Audubon trails, and other hiking paths that showcase the region's natural landscapes.
Harwinton Conservation & Recreation Area – Conveniently positioned just off Litchfield Road near the town's sole traffic light, this 90-acre park offers a tranquil escape from everyday hustle. Visitors can enjoy about 4 miles of hiking trails winding through woods and along Leadmine Brook, a stocked fishing pond that receives fresh trout each spring, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a children's playground, picnic pavilions, and scattered picnic spots. It's pet-friendly for leashed dogs and tends to remain lightly visited, making it an ideal spot for solitary reflection or casual outdoor activities.
Green Lady Cemetery (Seventh Day Baptist Cemetery) – Found on Upson
Road in the adjacent town of Burlington, this eerie graveyard draws
paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers. The haunting legend centers
on Elisabeth Palmiter, a woman from the mid-1800s who reportedly drowned
in a nearby swamp while her husband stood by without intervening. Since
the 1960s, witnesses have described odd phenomena like glowing lights
and a greenish mist that coalesces into the form of a woman in period
attire, believed to be her restless spirit eternally wandering the site.
A local secret adds to the intrigue: a concealed book hidden in a tree
where brave visitors can sign their names to mark their visit. If you're
drawn to ghostly tales and atmospheric spots, this locally renowned
cemetery is worth exploring, especially at dusk for maximum spookiness.
Harwinton Fair – Undoubtedly the highlight of the local calendar, this
beloved agricultural fair is a staple event in Harwinton, marking its
168th edition in 2025. Held annually during the first full weekend of
October (October 3-5 in 2025), it transforms the fairgrounds into a
vibrant hub of family-friendly fun. Attractions include carnival rides,
midway games, livestock and animal displays, craft and baking contests,
face painting, horse shows, pig races, woodchopping competitions, car
shows, live music performances, and an array of food options from
classic fair treats like fried dough and frozen lemonade to hearty
vendor meals. It's particularly enjoyable for families with young
children, though be prepared for some spending on souvenirs, games, and
snacks. The event runs Friday from 4-9:30 pm, Saturday from 9 am-9:30
pm, and Sunday from 9 am-6 pm, with free parking available. Its broad
appeal draws crowds from surrounding areas, celebrating community and
autumn traditions.
Fairview Farm Golf Course, 300 Hill Road – Opened
relatively recently, this 18-hole public golf course provides an
accessible and enjoyable outing at reasonable rates, primarily
attracting local players without overwhelming crowds. Set amid scenic
views, it offers challenging yet fair play for all skill levels, along
with a clubhouse and banquet facility suitable for events like weddings
or gatherings. Golfers can book tee times online or by calling
860-689-1000, and the venue's reputation for good maintenance and
friendly service makes it a hidden gem in the region.
By Plane - The most convenient airport serving Harwinton is Bradley International Airport (BDL), located in Windsor Locks on Schoephoester Road. It's the primary hub for Connecticut and sits about 38 miles away, typically a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. From there, you can rent a car or arrange ground transportation to reach the town.
Exploring Harwinton is best done by personal vehicle, as the town's rural layout lacks dedicated sidewalks or bike paths for safe pedestrian or cycling travel. If you're arriving without wheels, consider renting a car at the airport or through local services to fully enjoy the area's spread-out attractions and scenic drives.
If you're in need of cash while in Harwinton, Connecticut, several
ATM options are available around town for convenient access. One
reliable spot is the 24-hour drive-up ATM at Thomaston Savings Bank,
located at 160 Litchfield Road, which also offers self-serve coin
counting for added convenience. Across the street, at 157 Litchfield
Road, the Daily Mart hosts a Visa-compatible ATM, making it easy to grab
funds while picking up essentials. Additional ATMs can be found at
locations like 525 Burlington Road (part of the STAR network for
seamless transactions) and 207 Birge Park Road. Note that larger banks
like Wells Fargo, M&T Bank, and Bank of America have branches with ATMs
in nearby areas such as Wolcott and Waterbury, about 12-13 miles away,
if you need full banking services.
For shopping enthusiasts,
Harwinton is close to a couple of malls, each roughly 16 miles away,
providing a mix of retail therapy and entertainment. The Westfarms Mall,
situated at 1500 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, stands out as
Central Connecticut's premier shopping destination with over 140 stores
and restaurants. It features popular spots like Brio Italian Grille,
P.F. Chang's, and Sally's Apizza, along with seasonal events such as
Photos with Santa (running from November 7 to December 24) and Toys for
Tots collections. The mall emphasizes cleaner facilities and a broader
selection of retailers, making it the recommended choice over its
counterpart. Alternatively, the Brass Mill Center at 495 Union Street in
Waterbury offers a solid lineup of stores, though details on anchors
like Macy's or specific hours (typically around 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on
Sundays) may vary—check ahead for holiday promotions ending December 21.
Since both are equidistant from Harwinton, opting for Westfarms ensures
more variety and a polished experience.
Closer to home, The Shoppes
at Farmington Valley at 110 Albany Turnpike in Canton is an open-air
shopping plaza boasting a range of well-known brands such as American
Eagle Outfitters, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Gap, plus others like
Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Sephora for fashion, books, and outdoor
gear. It's worth visiting their website for the complete store
directory, current promotions, and hours, which often include extended
holiday shopping times.
Harwinton offers a couple of cozy pizza spots that deliver quality
Italian fare at reasonable prices, perfect for a casual meal. Hometown
Pizza II, found at 157 Litchfield Road (phone: +1 860-485-2786), serves
up excellent thin-crust pizzas with standout specialties like the
Artichoke (Carchofi), Chicken Florentine, and classic cheese options
praised for their flavorful crust and toppings. The menu extends beyond
pizza to include grinders (such as Chicken Parmesan at around $6.75),
wraps, salads, appetizers like garlic bread, and boneless wings. Reviews
highlight its affordability, variety, and accommodating staff, with an
average rating of 7.9 out of 10—though no delivery is available, orders
are typically ready in about 20 minutes if you call ahead, except on
busy Friday evenings when it might take longer.
Just down the road at
122 Litchfield Road (+1 860-485-0535), Harwinton Pizza & Restaurant
features friendly service and solid New York-style pizzas with homemade
sauces and a variety of toppings. Popular menu items include appetizers
like Mozzarella Sticks ($8.25) or Garlic Knots, grinders such as Chicken
Parmesan ($7.95), wraps like Philly Steak ($8.95), and specialty pies
including the New York Special (loaded with pepperoni, sausage,
meatballs, and veggies starting at $13.95 for small) or Lida's Special
with capers, tomatoes, and anchovies. It's a small venue that can fill
up quickly, especially during peak hours, and while delivery isn't
offered, takeout is efficient. Diners appreciate the thin crust, great
value (e.g., buy four large pies and get one free), and savory options
like veal parmesan, though some note the buffalo chicken could use more
meat. Both places are open daily, with hours typically from 11:00 AM to
10:00 PM, but confirm via phone.
While Harwinton doesn't have a bustling nightlife scene, there are a few welcoming spots nearby for grabbing a drink in a relaxed setting. The Edison Grill on Route 4 stands out as a local favorite, offering a full bar with craft beers, fine wines, and creative cocktails in a modern gastropub atmosphere—pair it with breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a complete experience. Other options include Sawyer's Bar & Grill for casual vibes and pub fare, or The Franklin Lounge and Verdict (a rooftop bar) in surrounding areas like Northwest Harwinton. For a more traditional pub feel, McCullough's Irish Pub provides cozy Irish decor and a menu of drinks, though it's low-key. If you're stocking up, Old Towne Packy offers ready-mixed cocktails like Mojitos and Cosmos for at-home enjoyment. Keep in mind that Harwinton is a small town, so many spots emphasize friendly, local crowds over late-night partying.
Harwinton itself lacks hotels or motels, but you'll find
straightforward accommodations in adjacent towns like Torrington (about
5-10 miles north) and Litchfield (similar distance west), which provide
basic yet reliable options for overnight stays without extravagant
amenities. In Torrington, the Days Inn by Wyndham at 395 Winsted Road
offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi, breakfast, and an indoor pool,
ideal for budget travelers starting at around $86 per night. Another
choice is Americas Best Value Inn on East Main Street, featuring simple
rooms, free parking, and proximity to local attractions. For something
cozier, The Inn At Mount Pleasant Farm provides a bed-and-breakfast vibe
with farm-fresh touches.
In Litchfield, The Litchfield Inn on Route
202 is a charming boutique hotel set on 10 acres, blending modern and
traditional colonial styles with themed rooms, an on-site restaurant,
and rates from about $250—perfect for a more upscale retreat in the
Berkshires foothills. The Abner Hotel, a renovated historic courthouse
at 25 South Street, boasts 20 stylish rooms, The Courtroom restaurant,
and a seasonal rooftop bar called Verdict, emphasizing luxury and local
history. For a boutique inn experience, Lost Fox Inn offers historic
charm just outside town, while Belden House & Mews provides restored
estate lodging in the heart of Litchfield's historic district. These
spots are functional for a good night's rest, with easy access back to
Harwinton—book ahead, especially during peak seasons.
Harwinton is a town located in eastern Litchfield County,
Connecticut, bordered by Torrington to the northwest and Burlington in
Hartford County to the east. It spans a total area of 31.2 square miles
(80.7 km²), with 30.8 square miles (79.8 km²) of land and 0.35 square
miles (0.9 km²) of water. The Naugatuck River forms its western
boundary, and the southeastern section includes the Roraback Wildlife
Area and several reservoirs. Principal communities within the town are
Campville and Harwinton Center (part of the Northwest Harwinton Census
Designated Place). The elevation at the town center is approximately 794
feet (242 m). As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Harwinton had a population of
5,484, with a density of 178 inhabitants per square mile. The median
household income (from the 2018–2022 American Community Survey) was
$102,078, and the town has seen fluctuating population trends over the
centuries, peaking at 5,642 in 2010 before a slight decline.
The
town's name is unique in the United States, derived from a combination
of "HAR" from Hartford, "WIN" from Windsor, and the Old English suffix
"-ton," meaning "town." This reflects its origins as land divided
between the proprietors of Hartford and Windsor.
Pre-Colonial
Period
Before European settlement, the area that became Harwinton was
at the confluence of various Native American tribal territories,
primarily those of the Tunxis tribe. Native Americans used the region as
a seasonal stopover due to its abundant resources, including berries,
nuts, clean water from streams, brooks, and rivers, and tall, straight
ash trees ideal for crafting oars. These ash trees once covered the
landscape but are no longer present. The land was part of Connecticut's
Western Lands, which encompassed much of what is now Litchfield County.
In the 1680s, amid fears of British interference that could revoke the
colony's charter, the Colony of Connecticut transferred these Western
Lands to the Hartford and Windsor Plantations as a protective measure.
Once the threat passed, disputes arose over ownership. Hartford and
Windsor treated the lands as permanent grants, while the colony sought
to reclaim them. This led to arbitration in 1726, where the lands were
divided: the eastern section (including future towns like Torrington,
Hartland, Barkhamsted, Colebrook, Winchester, and New Hartford) remained
with Hartford and Windsor, while the western portion reverted to the
colony. Specifically, Hartford retained East Harwinton, and Windsor held
West Harwinton, separated by a north-south highway ten rods (165 feet)
wide, now known as North and South Road.
Settlement and
Incorporation (18th Century)
Settlement began in January 1730 when
Daniel Messenger from Hartford became the first European resident,
establishing a home near the Bristol (later Burlington) town line after
purchasing land for 16 pounds. The area attracted young settlers due to
inexpensive farmland, vast timber resources, and water power, especially
as older Connecticut Valley towns faced diminishing farm sizes from
large families and inheritance divisions.
Land was divided among
proprietors—qualified property owners from 1720 or their heirs—based on
proportional holdings in the grand list. Early landowners included
figures like Daniel Hinsdale, Jacob Hinsdale, Joshua Carter, Samuel
Moody, Zachariah Seymour, Jonathan Hopkins, Samuel Messenger, Joseph
Skinner, Thomas Bull, Cyprian Webster (the first buried in South
Cemetery), Gideon Carter, Nathaniel Hatch, Jacob Benton, Ebenezer
Hopkins, Thomas Richards, Isaac Butler, Hezekiah Hopkins, Samuel Peck,
Amos Hinsdell, Jonathan Butler, Benjamin Catlin, Hezekiah Wyllys, and
Samuel Catlin.
In 1732, the eastern and western halves unified in
preparation for township status. The Colonial Assembly approved
incorporation on October 20, 1737, establishing Harwinton as an
independent town with 161 residents (25 to 30 scattered houses). This
included authorization for a two-pence-per-acre tax to support a Gospel
minister and build a meeting house. The first town meeting was held on
December 20, 1737, at Jacob Benton's residence (now 44 Locust Road),
moderated by Daniel Messenger with Benton as Town Clerk. Key decisions
included appointing horse branders and fence viewers, allowing swine to
roam freely, erecting a sign post on the "center line" (site of the
current Harwinton Congregational Church), building a meeting house, and
setting a minister's salary.
In 1739, disputes over the meeting house
site led to General Assembly intervention, protests, and tax refusals,
but construction was completed over eight years. A new assembly house
was built in 1807 north of the original.
Economic Development and
Industries
Harwinton was primarily an agricultural community, with
farming supplemented by light industries. Products included pitchforks,
clocks, bricks, lumber, tinware, hats, cutlery, whetstones, and barrels.
Clock-making was notable, with firms like Edward Hopkins and Augustus
Alfred. Businesses and mills developed along the Litchfield-Farmington
turnpike (now Route 118 to Route 4), including blacksmiths, wagon shops,
and tanneries for travelers. Mills operated along the Poland and
Naugatuck Rivers and Lead Mine Brook. The Naugatuck-Litchfield rail line
later boosted Campville by facilitating shipments of millworks and farm
products.
The town's location on the Hartford-Litchfield turnpike
aided commerce, with notable travelers including George Washington.
Education and Religion
Education started with a 1741 town vote
for a year-round school tax, initially held in homes. By 1748, funds
hired schoolmasters and "school dames" (aged 16-20, required to have
moral character, legible writing, and reading/spelling skills), who
boarded with families. By 1874, there were 12 school districts. The 1840
First District (Center) School on the town green featured innovations
like furnace heat, gravity-fed water, and later electricity (1932).
School days ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with breaks, emphasizing Bible
readings, prayers, penmanship, alphabet (age 4), geography (age 7),
arithmetic/reading (ages 10-12), and history/grammar for older students.
Attendance was non-mandatory and influenced by family chores;
consolidation occurred in 1941, leading to Harwinton Consolidated School
by 1948. The original Center School was relocated and restored in 1972.
Religiously, the town lacked a settled minister at incorporation.
Post-Revolution, other denominations established churches in 1795.
19th and 20th Centuries: Growth and Notable Events
The annual
Harwinton Fair, established in 1853, celebrates the town's agricultural
heritage and continues today. The 19th century saw steady development,
with population fluctuating from 1,500 in 1820 to 943 in 1890, then
rising to 2,020 in 1920. The early 20th century brought modernization,
including electricity in schools and rail enhancements.
The Harwinton
Historical Society, active today, has restored a one-room schoolhouse
and operates a barn museum displaying early artifacts to demonstrate
historical life.
Notable Residents
Harwinton has produced
several prominent figures:
Collis Potter Huntington (1821–1900), one
of the "Big Four" who built the Central Pacific Railroad.
Theodore A.
Hungerford, a successful publisher in Chicago and New York, who funded
the town's first library (now the T.A. Hungerford Memorial Museum).
Harry C. Bentley (1877–1967), founder of Bentley University.
Jonathan
Brace (1754–1837), judge and U.S. Congressman.
George S. Catlin
(1808–1851), U.S. Congressman.
Benjamin Michael Flowers (b. 1987),
former Ohio Solicitor General.
Elam Luddington (1806–1893), Mormon
pioneer and first Mormon missionary to Thailand.
Luman Watson
(1790–1834), clockmaker.
Abner Wilcox (1808–1869), missionary teacher
to the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Harwinton, a small town in Litchfield County, has a few eerie legends
tied to its forests and history, though it's not as famously haunted as
some nearby areas. The most prominent tales revolve around wandering
spirits and unexplained phenomena in natural settings.
The Leatherman
One
of Connecticut's most enduring folklore figures is the "Old Leatherman,"
a mysterious vagabond (c. 1839–1889) who wore a handmade suit of leather
patches and traveled a 365-mile circuit between the Connecticut and
Hudson Rivers for over three decades. He spoke little, relied on
handouts, and sheltered in caves along his route, including one in
Harwinton near the junction of Hill Road and Route 118, overlooking a
crescent-shaped pond. The cave is a simple rock shelter, and local lore
claims his ghostly ramblings—footsteps, mutterings, or the rustle of
leather—can still be heard echoing in Harwinton's forests and caves,
especially at night. The Leatherman died in 1889 from cancer, but his
spirit is said to linger in the places he once called home, adding a
layer of ambient mystery to the town's wooded trails.
Roraback
Wildlife Management Area
This 1,800-acre state-managed forest in
Harwinton has reports of paranormal activity, including distant screams,
hair being tugged, hands touched, and sudden shifts between warm and
cold spots. Visitors have also described seeing the shadowy figure of an
elderly person. The area, named after a former landowner, ties into
broader Connecticut ghost stories but lacks a specific tragic
backstory—experiences are often attributed to residual energies from its
history as hunting grounds and old settlements. It's a popular spot for
hikers, but some avoid it after dark due to these unsettling encounters.
Other nearby legends, like the Green Lady of Burlington's Seventh Day
Baptist Cemetery (about 5 miles away), sometimes bleed into Harwinton
discussions, but no major hauntings are documented directly in the town
center. Note that the Church of Eternal Light, often misassociated with
Harwinton, is actually in Bristol and rumored to show ghostly faces in
its bell tower windows—it's not in Harwinton proper.
Abandoned
Places
Harwinton's rural landscape hides several abandoned or
dilapidated structures, remnants of its agricultural past and
mid-20th-century floods. These spots attract urban explorers, but many
are on private or state land—trespassing is discouraged.
Campville (The Forgotten Valley)
Once a thriving community along the
Naugatuck River, Campville was named after Jabez Camp, an anti-slavery
advocate who bought land in the 1840s and developed it into a settlement
with over 100 houses, two inns, a clock shop (Hopkins-Alfred,
operational from 1831), a mill, a church, and a railroad station. It had
a post office from 1851–1855 and was a hub for manufacturing clocks,
rifles, and other goods. The area declined after the devastating 1955
flood, which prompted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build dams and
reservoirs, flooding much of the valley and relocating residents.
Homeowners were given four years to sell and move, leading to widespread
neglect—farmstands closed, livestock was released, and properties
deteriorated. By the late 1950s, structures like the clock shop were
dismantled. Today, it's mostly wetlands and open land, with only one
house remaining (owned by the Brown family, the sole holdout).
Foundations, old roadways, and inn remnants are visible near Valley Road
and Northfield Road. The town is working to repurpose parts for fishing
access along the river, but it retains a ghostly, forgotten vibe, with
links to unsolved murders along nearby Route 8 adding to its eerie
reputation.
Abandoned Barns and Farms
Several old barns dot
Harwinton's countryside, some left to decay. One notable example is an
aging, weathered barn captured in fall foliage, likely from an old milk
farm, with sagging roofs and overgrown surroundings evoking a sense of
rural abandonment. Another historic barn at 144 Mansfield Road features
stone walls and dates back centuries, though it's more preserved than
fully abandoned. These structures highlight the town's fading
agricultural era.
Abandoned Houses
Harwinton has scattered
derelict homes, including a beautiful but abandoned house on a stone
foundation, possibly from the 19th century, with boarded windows and
overgrown yards—discovered during barn explorations. Other sites include
foundations and markers from old settlements, like an abandoned area
mentioned in local forums. A 15-year-old was arrested in 2017 for arson
after setting fire to one such vacant house, underscoring the risks of
these neglected spots. Additionally, the Harwinton House, a 1700s
structure dismantled and relocated multiple times, has its own "ghost"
rumors during preservation efforts, though it's more historic than
abandoned now.