New Canaan, located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, stands out as one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. Known for its upscale lifestyle and picturesque charm, the town boasts a median household income exceeding $230,000 as of recent data, maintaining its status among the nation's top affluent areas long after being ranked first by CNN Money in 2008 for median family income. With a population of around 20,000, it offers a serene suburban escape just an hour from New York City, blending historic elegance with modern amenities.
New Canaan is rich in natural beauty, architectural wonders, and
cultural spots that attract visitors year-round. Key highlights include:
New Canaan Nature Center: This 40-acre preserve features trails,
gardens, a discovery center, and educational programs on wildlife and
sustainability. It's ideal for families, with interactive exhibits,
animal encounters, and seasonal events like maple sugaring in winter.
Waveny Park (South Avenue): Originally part of Prospect Farm, this
expansive 300-acre estate was developed in 1912 by industrialist Lewis
Lapham as a summer retreat, complete with a grand "castle" mansion.
Acquired by the town in 1967, it now serves as a public park offering
hiking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, a pool, and stunning
gardens. It's a popular spot for outdoor concerts, weddings, and
community events, with the historic Waveny House often hosting art shows
and gatherings.
Silvermine Arts Center (1037 Silvermine Road):
Nestled in a historic area, this vibrant center hosts exhibitions,
performances, and workshops in various media, from painting to
sculpture. It attracts artists from diverse backgrounds and offers
classes taught by professionals, making it a hub for creativity and
community engagement.
For architecture enthusiasts, don't miss
The Philip Johnson Glass House, a modernist icon designed by the
renowned architect in 1949. This National Historic Landmark includes the
transparent Glass House itself, along with galleries and sculptures set
on 49 acres of landscaped grounds—perfect for guided tours exploring
mid-century design.
Another must-visit is Grace Farms, an 80-acre
nonprofit center featuring award-winning architecture by SANAA, winding
river-like buildings, nature trails, art installations, and programs on
justice, faith, and community. It's free to explore and hosts events
like tea ceremonies and live music.
Other activities include
strolling through the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society for local
history insights or visiting the modern New Canaan Library for its
innovative design and events.
The most convenient way to reach New Canaan is by train via the Metro-North Railroad. The town has two stations on the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven Line: the main New Canaan station in the heart of downtown and Talmadge Hill station farther south. Trains run frequently, with a journey to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan taking about one hour. Fares vary, but expect around $15-20 off-peak; check the MTA website for schedules and tickets. Driving from New York City via I-95 or the Merritt Parkway is also straightforward, taking roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
New Canaan's charming downtown is a shopper's delight, filled with boutique stores, galleries, and specialty shops. Highlights include the Carriage Barn Arts Center for local artwork and crafts, the New Canaan Farmers Market (seasonal on Saturdays) for fresh produce and artisanal goods, and galleries like Jean Jacobs or N. West for unique pieces. For fashion and gifts, browse spots like She La La for women's clothing, Pennyweights for jewelry, or More 'N' More for eclectic finds. The area also features high-end real estate offices and home decor stores, reflecting the town's affluent vibe.
Dining options in New Canaan range from casual cafes to upscale
eateries, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.
SE Uncorked
(15 Elm Street, +1 203-920-1212, Nick@southendnewcanaan.com): Open
Tuesday-Saturday 11:30AM-11PM, Monday 5-9PM, and Sunday 11AM-9PM, this
lively spot offers a creative cocktail menu, an always-open bar,
comfortable seating, and an inviting outdoor patio for al fresco dining.
The menu features American fare with a twist, like small plates and
entrees perfect for sharing.
For more variety, try Elm Restaurant
for modern American cuisine in a stylish setting, Farmer's Table for
farm-to-table dishes with organic focus, or Sole for Italian-inspired
seafood and pasta. Other favorites include Ching's Table for Asian
fusion and Gates Restaurant + Bar for hearty pub-style meals with live
music.
While New Canaan isn't known for wild nightlife, it has cozy bars and lounges for relaxed evenings. Check out The Pub at The Playhouse for classic drinks in a historic cinema setting, Cherry Street East for a neighborhood vibe with craft beers, or Blackbird for sophisticated cocktails in a moody, upscale atmosphere. For something unique, The Back End offers Mexican-inspired drinks and tacos, while The White Buffalo features live bands and a lively bar scene. Many restaurants like Gates also double as great spots for happy hour.
Accommodations in New Canaan are boutique and charming, with options
for a cozy stay.
Main Street Inn (190 Main Street, +1
203-972-2983): A quaint bed-and-breakfast in the town center, offering
comfortable rooms with antique furnishings and easy access to shops and
dining.
Maples Inn (179 Oenoke Ridge): This historic inn provides
elegant, spacious suites with fireplaces, gardens, and personalized
service, ideal for a romantic getaway.
Roger Sherman Inn (195 Oenoke
Ridge, +1 203-966-4541): A landmark property blending colonial history
with modern comforts, featuring well-appointed rooms, an on-site
restaurant, and event spaces.
Early Settlement and Native American Context (Pre-1731)
The area
that would become New Canaan, Connecticut, was originally inhabited by
Native American tribes, though their presence was minimal by the time of
European settlement in the mid-17th century. Archaeological evidence,
such as arrowheads, stone ovens, mortars, and encampment sites like
those near Indian Rocks along the Five Mile River, indicates earlier
Native activity, including figures like Chief Ponus, who claimed much of
the land but disappeared around 1665. Land acquisitions from Native
Americans occurred through a series of deeds between 1640 and 1651,
facilitated by early English settlers. For instance, Roger Ludlow
purchased the eastern section of Norwalk in 1640 for items like wampum,
coats, and tools, covering areas like Runckingheage and Rooaton. Daniel
Patrick acquired the middle section, and additional purchases in 1651 by
Richard Webb and others extended to the Norwalk and Saugatuck rivers,
including ridges like Ponus, Clapboard Hill, and Canoe Hill. These
transactions were generally peaceful, though they reflected the broader
displacement of indigenous peoples during colonial expansion.
European settlement began in earnest in the 1630s, drawing from Puritan
migrations out of Massachusetts Bay Colony. Influenced by leaders like
Thomas Hooker and John Davenport, early settlers established communities
along the Connecticut River, such as Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield
(the "Three River Towns"), under the 1639 Fundamental Orders, which
emphasized consent-based governance. New Canaan's roots trace to these
migrations, with families like the Abbotts, Benedicts, Boutons, Fitches,
Hanfords, Keelers, Richards, St. Johns, and Smiths arriving from places
like Dorchester and Salem. By the 1650s, clusters formed on ridges like
Ponus and along rivers like Five Mile and Noroton. The region fell under
the jurisdictions of Norwalk (settled 1650-51 by Nathaniel Ely and
Richard Olmstead) and Stamford (settled 1641 by dissenters from
Wethersfield under New Haven Colony's theocratic rule). Conflicts like
the Pequot War (1637) and boundary disputes between Stamford and Norwalk
(resolved 1666-1670) shaped the area, but by 1730, population
growth—around 300 people in 1772—necessitated a separate parish.
Social structure was proprietary, with land divided based on estates (3
acres per £100), and newcomers voted in as freemen. Communities
emphasized self-sufficiency, Sabbath observance, and armed readiness for
meetings. Slavery existed on a small scale; the 1790 census noted slaves
in Connecticut, including in New Canaan, with records of bills-of-sale
and wills (e.g., Caesar's 1773 inheritance including silver spoons and
books). Treatment was relatively fair compared to southern colonies,
with some slaves attending church and even fighting in the Revolution
(e.g., Abner Andrews and Caesar Freeman, who were freed). Slavery was
gradually abolished, with an act in 1768 freeing enslaved people at age
25; the last known individual, "Old Ony" (Onesimus), died in the 1850s.
Formation of Canaan Parish and Colonial Era (1731-1801)
In 1731,
Connecticut's colonial legislature established Canaan Parish as a
religious entity in northwestern Norwalk and northeastern Stamford,
granting the right to form a Congregational church for the area's
scattered families. This was not initially planned as a full town,
leading to administrative challenges: residents voted, paid taxes, and
filed deeds in their original hometowns. The first Society meeting
occurred on July 1, 1731, with 47 members (30 from Norwalk, 17 from
Stamford). A meetinghouse was built on Haines Ridge in 1731-32, funded
by taxes of ten pence per pound. Rev. John Eells was settled as the
first minister in 1733 but dismissed in 1741 due to eccentricities; he
was succeeded by Rev. Robert Silliman in 1742. The parish managed
schools, highways, and taxes, with seating in the meetinghouse based on
"rate and dignity."
Religiously, the Congregational church dominated,
but diversity emerged: Episcopal services began around 1762-64, with St.
Mark's frame raised in 1764 on land from James Hait. It became an
independent society in 1791 with 79 family heads. Other denominations
followed, including Methodist preaching in 1787.
Economically, the
parish was primarily agricultural until the Revolutionary War, focusing
on wheat, rye, corn, and hay. Travel was by foot or horseback to
steamboats or sloops. Militarily, a Train-Band was formed in 1733 under
Capt. Ebenezer Carter. During the Revolution, as part of Norwalk and
Stamford, residents contributed to battles like White Plains and
Ticonderoga; some were imprisoned (e.g., John Carter in Sugar House
Prison). Locals witnessed nearby events, such as the 1779 burning of
Norwalk from hilltops or the Ridgefield Battle. Figures like Capt.
Stephen Betts fought at Bunker Hill, Princeton, and Yorktown. Women like
Hannah Benedict Carter supported troops, and Phoebe Comstock observed
British retreats.
Education was mandatory, with early district
schools (e.g., a 20x20 ft red schoolhouse with central benches and a
strict master). Rev. Justus Mitchell's select school in 1783 boosted
literacy and prosperity.
Incorporation and 19th-Century Growth
(1801-1900)
New Canaan was incorporated as a town in May 1801 to
avoid confusion with northern Canaan, encompassing about 5x5.25 miles
with around 250 families and 1,500 inhabitants. Celebrations included
cannon fire; Joseph Silliman served as first moderator, Isaac Richards
as selectman, and Samuel St. John as clerk. Governance involved town
meetings in the meetinghouse, with taxes for roads (initially 2 cents
per dollar) and officers like tything men and fence viewers. Regulations
controlled loose animals, and a pound was built in 1807. The first Town
Hall was voted in 1825 but debated extensively before construction.
Post-Revolutionary, shoemaking became the dominant industry, producing
50,000 pairs annually by 1818 (third in the U.S., first for women's
shoes). The Benedict firm, started around 1762 by James B. Benedict, was
America's oldest family-run shoemaker until 1924. Other operations
included Amos Ayres' "Big Shop" in 1824. This spurred regional
settlements like Ponus Ridge, West Road, Oenoke Ridge, Smith Ridge,
Talmadge Hill, and Silvermine, with clustered houses, mills, and
schools.
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad's opening in
1868 transformed New Canaan, attracting wealthy New Yorkers for summer
escapes due to its pastoral beauty. Figures like William Davenport (who
moved in 1812) and Gilbert Birdsall (who built the New Canaan Hotel)
encouraged visits, leading to permanent settlements. By the 1890s,
summer crowds supported local businesses like ice cream parlors and
sporting goods stores. In 1892, New Yorkers formed the precursor to the
town's first country club. Infrastructure improved with the New Canaan
Water Company in 1893 and electric lights in 1897.
Religiously,
expansions included a new Episcopal church in 1833 (consecrated 1834,
remodeled 1857-58), Methodist church in 1833, Baptist in 1871,
Universalist in 1832, and Catholic services from 1863. Education
advanced with New Canaan Academy (1815-16, teaching classics and math,
producing Yale graduates until ~1830), Church Hill Institute (1835-61
for boys), and others like Scofield's School (1873-99).
A notable
cultural anecdote arose in the 1890s when editor Will Kirk of the New
Canaan Messenger defended the town against critics calling it the "next
station to hell" (from a Civil War veteran's remark during a hot
parade), coining "Next Station to Heaven" in a satirical editorial—a
nickname still used affectionately today.
Patriotism continued in
later conflicts: volunteers for the War of 1812 and Civil War (e.g., Lt.
Hunnewell honored). Reforms like temperance and anti-slavery gained
traction. The 1901 centennial celebrated with parades, speeches
(including Anthony Comstock), exhibits, and banquets attracting ~10,000
attendees.
20th Century and Modern Era (1900-Present)
The
early 20th century solidified New Canaan's shift to a commuter suburb,
aided by improved highways and rail access. In 1912, Waveny Park was
developed from Prospect Farm, the summer estate of Lewis Lapham (Texaco
founder); the town acquired his 300-acre mansion and parkland in 1967.
Traditions like singing carols on God's Acre began in 1916 and continue
annually.
From the late 1940s to the 1960s, New Canaan became a
global hub for modernist architecture, with the "Harvard Five"—Philip
Johnson, Marcel Breuer, Landis Gores, John M. Johansen, and Eliot
Noyes—building around 80 innovative homes using new materials, open
floor plans, and experimental designs. Johnson's Glass House (1949)
epitomizes this era, alongside contributions from Frank Lloyd Wright and
others. About 20 of these homes have been demolished, but the movement's
legacy endures, featured in films like The Ice Storm (1997), which
showcased glass houses on Laurel Road.
The Historic District,
centered on Church Hill (God's Acre), was established in 1963. Today,
New Canaan remains a wealthy rural enclave in Fairfield County,
bordering New York State, known for its modernist heritage, including
the Philip Johnson Glass House, and as a commuter town to New York City.
Population growth post-railroad and ongoing preservation efforts by the
New Canaan Historical Society (founded 1889) highlight its evolution
from agricultural parish to affluent suburb.
New Canaan is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, situated in the Western Connecticut Planning Region. It is part of Connecticut's affluent Gold Coast area and lies approximately 40 miles northeast of New York City, making it a popular commuter suburb with train access via the Metro-North Railroad, taking about an hour to reach Manhattan. The town borders Darien to the south, Stamford to the west, Wilton to the east, Norwalk to the southeast, and the New York towns of Lewisboro and Pound Ridge to the north. Notably, it is the only municipality on the Connecticut Panhandle that does not directly border the coast of Long Island Sound. The total area of New Canaan is 22.5 square miles (58.3 km²), of which 22.1 square miles (57.3 km²) is land and 0.35 square miles (0.9 km²) is water, accounting for about 1.56% of the total area. Its average elevation is around 344 feet (105 meters), though topographic variations create a diverse landscape.
The terrain of New Canaan is characterized by a series of parallel ridges running roughly north to south, which define much of its physical geography and contribute to its pastoral, rolling landscape. Key ridges include Ponus Ridge, Oenoke Ridge, and Smith Ridge, which divide the town into distinct sections such as New Canaan Town Center, Talmadge Hill, Ponus Ridge, West, Oenoke Ridge, Smith Ridge, and a portion of the Silvermine area (which extends into neighboring Norwalk and Wilton). These ridges create valleys and low-lying areas, resulting in a varied topography of hills, slopes, and plateaus that historically supported agriculture and later attracted affluent residents for its scenic beauty. The landscape is part of the broader New England Uplands, featuring rolling hills and valleys typical of the region's glaciated terrain. This topography also influences local development, with settlements historically clustered around the ridges, and modern infrastructure like the Merritt Parkway enhancing connectivity while preserving much of the natural contours.
New Canaan's hydrography is intricately tied to its ridged
topography, with rainwater draining into valleys between the ridges and
forming a network of rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, and vernal pools
that ultimately flow southward to Long Island Sound. The town spans four
primary watersheds:
Silvermine River Watershed: Located east of
Smith Ridge, draining into the Silvermine River, which joins the Norwalk
River and empties into Norwalk Harbor.
Five Mile River Watershed:
Between Smith and Oenoke Ridges, feeding the Five Mile River that
reaches Long Island Sound at Rowayton.
Noroton River Watershed:
Between Oenoke and Ponus Ridges, contributing to the Noroton River,
which flows into Holly Pond in Darien.
Rippowam River Watershed: West
of Ponus Ridge, draining into the Rippowam River (also known as the Mill
River in Stamford), eventually reaching Long Island Sound.
These
watersheds support groundwater recharge, which is critical as
approximately 70% of homes rely on private wells for drinking water. The
ridges act as natural divides, directing water flow and helping prevent
erosion through vegetation and root systems. Small bodies of water,
including ponds and wetlands, cover about 0.35 square miles and play
roles in flood control, habitat provision, and water filtration.
Environmentally, these features support biodiversity, serving as
nurseries for amphibians, birds, dragonflies, and turtles, while also
aiding in carbon sequestration, soil filtration, and migration routes
for wildlife.
New Canaan has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: warm, humid summers; cold, snowy winters; and mild springs and falls. Annual average temperatures range from a low of 22°F to a high of 82°F, with an overall mean of about 52°F. The warm season spans mid-June to mid-September, ideal for outdoor activities, while the cold season runs from early December to mid-March. Humidity is higher in summer, with July having the most muggy days (13.3), and near zero in winter. Wind speeds peak in winter (up to 8.9 mph in February) and are calmest in summer (around 5.4 mph in July). Cloud cover is partly cloudy year-round, clearest in late summer (64% clear in September) and cloudiest in winter (52% overcast in February).
New Canaan's geography includes significant natural preserves that highlight its environmental richness. Waveny Park, a 300-acre former estate acquired by the town in 1967, features meadows, woodlands, and trails, serving as a central public space. The New Canaan Nature Center spans 40 acres with diverse habitats, including wet and dry meadows, two ponds, wet and dry woodlands, and dense thickets, supporting educational programs and wildlife. Conservation efforts are bolstered by the New Canaan Land Trust, which protects open spaces, critical habitats, aquifer protection areas, and natural diversity zones. These areas contribute to biodiversity, flood mitigation, and air quality, with forests and wetlands filtering water and providing habitats for local fauna. The town's pastoral ridges and valleys have historically drawn residents for their scenic appeal, evolving from farmland to protected green spaces.
New Canaan, Connecticut, is a picturesque and affluent suburb in
Fairfield County, known for its historic charm, upscale homes, and
proximity to New York City. Founded in the early 18th century as part of
Canaan Parish, the town has preserved much of its colonial heritage amid
modern development. While not as notorious for paranormal activity as
some older New England locales, New Canaan harbors a few intriguing
haunted legends tied to its early settlers, Revolutionary War-era
figures, and enigmatic wanderers. These stories often blend historical
fact with folklore, evoking a sense of gentle, protective spirits rather
than malevolent hauntings. Abandoned places are rarer here due to the
town's high property values and preservation efforts, but a couple of
sites stand out for their eerie vacancy and overgrown relics. Below,
I'll delve into the most notable examples, drawing on local histories
and reported encounters.
Haunted Legends
New Canaan's ghostly
tales often revolve around historic homes and mysterious figures from
the 19th century, with spirits described as benign or even comforting.
These legends are rooted in the town's early days as a rural farming
community, where isolation and hardship may have fueled superstitions.
The Leatherman: A Wandering Enigma
One of the most enduring
legends connected to New Canaan is that of the "Leatherman," a enigmatic
vagrant who roamed the Northeast in the mid-to-late 1800s. Clad
head-to-toe in a 60-pound suit of patched leather scraps—including
boots, pants, coat, and a hat that partially hid his weathered, bearded
face—he spoke little, communicating mostly in broken French or English
grunts. He lived a nomadic life, sheltering in caves and rock outcrops
while following a precise 365-mile circuit through Connecticut and New
York, completing it every 34 days with clockwork reliability. In New
Canaan, he had a regular "home" at the base of a steep cliff known as
the "Watchtowers of the Noroton Valley," located west of Weed Street and
south of modern Parish Lane. This natural boulder shelter near the
Noroton River provided water and seclusion, and it's now nestled in a
dense, undeveloped forest.
Locals like Katherine Crissey Weed
Comstock recalled him as a "grotesque figure" who knocked on doors
mid-morning for food, gesturing gratefully without speaking. Children
found encounters with him thrilling yet terrifying, and he became a
fixture in the community, with benefactors preparing handouts based on
his predictable schedule.
The Leatherman's origins remain shrouded in
mystery—newspapers fabricated a romantic backstory of him as Jules
Bourglay, a Frenchman heartbroken and cursed to wander after a failed
leather business and romance, but research by historian Dan DeLuca
debunked this. He died in 1889 in a cave near Ossining, New York, from
cancer and starvation, and was buried in Sparta Cemetery (later exhumed
and reburied, yielding no remains due to acidic soil). His legend
persists as a "ghost story" in New Canaan, with tributes like leather
scraps and pennies left at his grave echoing old traditions where
children placed coins on fence posts along his path. Though not a
literal ghost, his haunting presence lingers in local folklore,
symbolizing solitude and the unknown, as if his spirit still trudges the
forgotten trails.
The Benedict-Eells-Thatcher House: Spirits of
Comfort
The oldest standing home in New Canaan, the
Benedict-Eells-Thatcher House on Carter Road, dates back to around 1724.
Originally a "mansion house" gifted by Deacon John Benedick of Norwalk
to his son, it became a hub for early settlers when Canaan Parish was
established in 1731. Its most notable early resident was minister John
Eels, who led the Congregational Church from 1733 but was ousted after
eight years for "eccentricities deemed improper," though he lived there
until his death in 1785. The saltbox-style home passed through various
owners, including Mabel Thatcher from the 1920s to 1970s, who championed
its preservation. Current owners Tom and Libby Butterworth, who have
resided there since 1989 (with a brief hiatus), report multiple
benevolent spirits that make the house feel "protected."
Encounters
include a heavyset man in Civil War-era attire who once sat beside Libby
on the couch during a documentary viewing; a woman in a shawl seen
pacing an upstairs bedroom while Tom mowed the lawn; and a white-haired
woman, believed to be Mabel Thatcher, who comforted their daughter by
patting her shoulder during a restless night before a big move—the
figure vanished into the hallway. The Butterworths describe the
presences as non-threatening, with sudden cold spots and a reassuring
aura, especially when Libby was alone. After renovations in 2011—adding
antique oak beams and preserving original features like wide beams and
the fireplace—ghostly activity waned, leading them to speculate the
spirits were content once the home's future was secured from demolition
threats.
The Ghost of Elizabeth at 263 Oenoke Ridge
At 263
Oenoke Ridge, a 250-year-old wood-frame house built by Revolutionary War
veteran Aaron Comstock, resides the playful spirit of a young girl named
Elizabeth, thought to have died of consumption (tuberculosis) in the
18th or 19th century.
Longtime owner Melanie Barnard reports subtle
disturbances: rattlings, objects relocating overnight, and pranks like
sliding closet doors falling during renovations. A workman's tool belt
vanished from the third floor (Elizabeth's former bedroom) only to
reappear mysteriously. Historical records from the New Canaan Historical
Society list several Elizabeth Comstocks, including Aaron's niece born
in 1783 with no recorded death date. Paranormal expert Lorraine Warren
suggested the spirit is earthbound, activated by changes like
renovations, and needs help to cross over. Elizabeth is never
malicious—her antics are childlike, focusing on closets and the attic,
evoking a sense of lingering innocence rather than fear.
Abandoned Places
Given New Canaan's wealth and focus on preservation,
outright abandoned sites are scarce, but a few vacant or overgrown spots
carry an air of mystery, often tied to forgotten histories or eccentric
owners.
Le Beau Chateau: The Empty Mansion at 104 Dans Highway
This 22-room white brick manor, built in 1937 as a custom estate for
retired U.S. Senator David Aikeen Reed, has stood eerily vacant for over
50 years on 52 wooded acres teeming with wildlife like deer, turkeys,
and hawks.
Purchased in 1952 by reclusive heiress Huguette
Clark—daughter of copper magnate and senator William Andrews Clark—for
an undisclosed reason (rumored as a Cold War bomb shelter), it was never
furnished, occupied, or even visited by her. The fortress-like structure
features nine bedrooms, nine baths, 12 fireplaces, a preserved 1930s
kitchen with an icebox, and two caretaker cottages. Caretakers maintain
the grounds, but the interior remains a time capsule, empty and
untouched. Clark, who lived to 104 and died in 2011, listed it for sale
in 2005 at $34 million (reduced to $24 million by 2010), insisting it be
sold intact. The vacancy's mystery—amid streams, a waterfall, and dense
pines—fuels local intrigue, as if the estate awaits an owner who never
arrived.
Abandoned House and Graveyard Near Weed Street Cemetery
Tucked near the historic Weed Cemetery on Weed Street—a small, rural
burial ground with 142 memorials dating back centuries—lies an abandoned
rustic log cabin and overgrown graveyard.
The cabin, partially clad
in asbestos siding, features remnants of 18th- or 19th-century
construction, while the adjacent private graveyard has headstones from
as early as 1830, many weathered and illegible. New Canaan boasts 28
such "rural" cemeteries, 22 on private land, often decaying due to
neglect. This site, close to homes yet forgotten, evokes a sense of
isolation; locals report it as a relic of old farming families like the
Weeds, with overgrowth hiding its secrets. Access is limited, as it's on
private property, but it exemplifies the town's hidden pockets of
abandonment amid prosperity.