Newtown is a charming community nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills area of Connecticut. Established in 1711, this town spans about 58 square miles and is home to around 27,000 residents. It features a mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it a great spot for day trips or relaxed getaways. Historically, Newtown was purchased from the Pohtatuck Native Americans in 1705 and has ties to early English settlers. It's also known for being the birthplace of Scrabble, invented by local resident James Brunot in the 1940s. While the town gained national attention due to the tragic Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, it has since focused on community healing and preservation of its heritage.
Explore Newtown's rich array of landmarks and cultural sites that
highlight its history and architecture.
Edmond Town Hall: This
iconic building, constructed in 1930 as a gift from philanthropist Mary
Hawley, serves as a multifaceted community center. It houses a 500-seat
theater that screens movies (often for just $3), hosts live concerts,
comedy shows, and theatrical performances. Historically, it functioned
as the town's municipal hub until 2009, including offices, a courtroom,
and recreational spaces like a gymnasium. Today, it's perfect for
events, weddings, or catching a classic film in a nostalgic setting.
Cyrenius H. Booth Library: Located at 25 Main Street (phone: +1
203-426-4533), this beautiful library is a cornerstone of the community,
offering extensive book collections, digital resources, and programs for
all ages. Built in 1932 with a stunning Georgian Revival style, it
features cozy reading areas, art exhibits, and historical archives. It's
named after a local businessman and philanthropist, and visitors can
enjoy free Wi-Fi, story hours for kids, or even borrow unique items like
telescopes.
Historic Places: Newtown boasts numerous preserved
sites reflecting its colonial roots. Highlights include the Matthew
Curtiss House (a 1750 saltbox home now a museum with period
furnishings), the Newtown Meeting House (a 1792 Congregational church
with classic New England architecture), and the Hawleyville Red Building
(a 19th-century structure tied to the town's industrial past). Other
notables are Ram Pasture (a scenic green space from the 1700s) and the
Pleasance (a historic estate garden). For a deeper dive, visit the
Newtown Historical Society for guided tours.
Newtown offers outdoor adventures and recreational activities amid
its rolling hills and forests.
Rocky Glen State Park: This
46-acre undeveloped preserve along the Pootatuck River is free to enter
and ideal for hiking enthusiasts. It features 1.4 miles of winding
trails through wooded areas, leading to a picturesque 30-foot waterfall
and scenic overlooks. The park has a rich history as a former mill site
and offers opportunities for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply
enjoying the tranquility. Access it via a small parking lot near 29
Dayton Street in Sandy Hook; dogs are welcome on leashes.
Other
activities include visiting Aquila's Nest Vineyards for wine tastings,
exploring Rowanwood Farm for agritourism experiences like hayrides and
animal interactions, or hiking in Paugussett State Forest for more
extensive trails.
Newtown is easily accessible by car, situated near Interstate 84 (Exit 10 or 11). From New York City, it's about a 1.5-hour drive north via I-684 and I-84. The closest airports are Bradley International (BDL) in Hartford (about 1 hour away) or Westchester County (HPN) in New York (45 minutes). Public transit options are limited, but you can take Metro-North trains to nearby Danbury or Bridgeport and then a bus or ride-share. No direct train station in town, so driving is recommended for flexibility.
The town is best navigated by car due to its spread-out neighborhoods like Sandy Hook, Hawleyville, and Botsford. Main Street (Route 6) is walkable for central attractions, with sidewalks and bike-friendly paths. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available, and there's limited local bus service via HARTransit. For eco-friendly options, rent bikes to explore the quieter roads and parks.
Shop for local goods at spots like Ferris Acres Creamery for artisanal ice cream and farm products (ranked among America's top 30 ice cream shops). Rowanwood Farm offers fresh produce, eggs, and handmade items. For unique souvenirs, check out the Newtown General Store or browse antiques in historic districts. Nearby Danbury Fair Mall provides larger retail options if needed.
Dining in Newtown ranges from casual farm-to-table spots to Italian
favorites.
Farmhouse Restaurant (43 S. Main St.): Focuses on
local, seasonal ingredients with dishes like grass-fed burgers and fresh
salads.
Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro: Offers upscale
Northern Italian cuisine, including homemade pastas and seafood.
Barnwood Grill: Known for wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and a cozy pub
atmosphere.
Other highlights: Nouveau Monde for wine-paired meals,
Sugo Gastrobar for modern Italian tapas, and Ferris Acres Creamery for
sweet treats.
Sip local wines at Aquila's Nest Vineyards, a boutique winery with tastings and vineyard views. For craft beers, head to nearby breweries in Danbury or enjoy cocktails at Barnwood Grill. Coffee lovers can grab a brew at local cafes like the one in the Cyrenius H. Booth Library or farmstands offering seasonal ciders.
Accommodations in Newtown are limited, so many visitors stay in
nearby Danbury (10 minutes away). Options include:
Hampton Inn
Danbury: Comfortable rooms with free breakfast and pool.
Courtyard by
Marriott Danbury: Modern amenities, including a bistro and fitness
center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Danbury: Budget-friendly
with pet-friendly rooms.
For a more intimate stay, look for Airbnbs
in town or the Rocky River Inn in nearby New Milford.
Pre-Settlement and Founding (Before 1705–1711)
Newtown,
Connecticut, originally known as Quanneapague (meaning a pond or brook
in the Algonquian language), was inhabited by the Pohtatuck (or
Pootatuck) Native Americans, a subgroup of the Paugussett tribe. The
area centered around the Pootatuck River and featured fertile valleys
along the Housatonic River. European contact began in the 17th century,
with early colonial settlements tracing back to migrants from places
like Milford, Stratford, and New Haven. Key early figures included Henry
Glover (arrived in Boston 1636), Henry Botsford (from England 1639,
settled Milford), and others like the Peck, Prindle, Sanford, and
Wheeler families who established roots in the region.
The formal
purchase of the land occurred on July 25, 1705, when English colonists
from Stratford, led by figures such as William Junos, Justice Bush, and
Samuel Hawley, bought a six-by-eight-mile tract from Native leaders
Mauquash, Massumpas, and Nunnawauk for goods including guns, coats,
blankets, shirts, stockings, lead, powder, and knives. The boundaries
were defined south of pine swamps, southwest along Fairfield bounds,
northwest to Danbury, northeast by Milford-purchased land, and southeast
on Numaway's land. This purchase was witnessed by Obimosk and Nunako.
Earlier, in 1678, John Hubbell received a 100-acre grant for his service
(losing a finger and ear), which his sons later sold.
Settlement
began in earnest in 1708 when 36 "petition proprietors" (primarily
second- and third-generation British immigrants in their late 20s to
late 30s from Stratford and Milford) petitioned the Connecticut General
Assembly for town rights, seeking more spacious interior land for
farming. These proprietors owned the common land and shared in its
divisions. By 1709, a Committee for Newtown laid out the "Town Plat,"
featuring a 132-foot-wide north-south road (modern Main Street)
intersected by cross highways (West Street–Church Hill Road and Route
302–Glover Avenue). In 1710, four-acre home lots were distributed to 48
proprietors (with a 49th reserved for the minister), leading to the
construction of saltbox or one-and-a-half-story cottages, barns,
gardens, and orchards in a compact village. Additional parcels included
four-acre Meadow Lots around Deep Brook, four-acre Pitch fields for
crops, and 20-acre hill divisions. The town was officially incorporated
in 1711, with the first town meeting held on September 24 at Peter
Hubbell's house, electing officials like Hubbell as clerk, Abraham
Kimberly as constable, and others for highways and fences.
Colonial Period (1711–1776)
During the early colonial era, Newtown
focused on agriculture, with proprietors dividing lands into meadows,
hills, and commons. By 1717, divisions included the Great and Little
Bogs, and by 1721, 30 acres per right. Quiomph's Purchase in 1723 added
land along Pootatuck Brook for £16, divided among 51 proprietors by
1742–1748. Settlement spread outward due to scattered holdings, forming
small communities like Sandy Hook (settled around 1710 for its water
power from the Pootatuck River, enabling saw and grist mills). By 1738,
school districts emerged (e.g., Taunton Lake), growing to seven by 1760
and 20 by 1794, with names like Dodgingtown, Hattertown, and Head
O'Meadow reflecting proprietary patterns.
Infrastructure developed
rapidly: In 1711–1712, liberties were granted for grist mills on
Quanneapague Brook (to Jeremiah Turner, later Samuel Sanford) and
sawmills on Deep Brook and Half Way River/Pootatuck. A meeting house was
planned in 1713 (40x32 feet) and built by 1718–1720 (expanded to 50
feet), with additions like galleries (1745), a belfry (1746), and a
steeple (1762) featuring a 500-pound bell donated by the Botsford and
Brisco families. Governance involved annual town meetings, levies for
expenses, wolf bounties (10–15 shillings), and brand marks for horses.
Roads followed Indian trails, with layouts starting in 1715 and boundary
disputes resolved with neighboring towns like Stratford (1725), New
Milford (1727–1734), and Danbury (1758).
Economically, ties remained
with the English, and the town grew as a farming community. The first
town/school house was built in 1717 (25 square feet). Religious life
included the arrival of Rev. Thomas Toucey as the first minister in 1713
and Rev. John Beach as rector of Trinity Church. By the mid-18th
century, industries began emerging, though agriculture dominated.
Revolutionary War Era (1776–1783)
Newtown was initially a Tory
(Loyalist) stronghold, reflecting conservative sentiments among its
residents. However, it played a role in the war when French General
Rochambeau and his troops encamped there in 1781 during their march to
the Siege of Yorktown, which effectively ended the Revolution. The
meeting house saw divisions over Tory sympathies, with society meetings
in 1781 addressing membership and repairs amid the conflict. Post-war,
the town repaired structures like the bell (recast 1787) and sold pews
(1786). William Edmond, a local notable, served as a Revolutionary War
veteran, state legislator, U.S. Representative, and state supreme court
judge.
19th Century Development (1783–1900)
The 19th century
transformed Newtown into an important crossroads. Population peaked at
over 4,000 around 1881 but declined to 2,635 by 1930. Hawleyville
briefly became a railroad center, boosting connectivity. Industries
flourished, including manufacturing of furniture, tea bags, combs, fire
hoses, folding boxes, buttons, and hats, alongside mica and feldspar
mining. The meeting house was relocated in 1792, and a new one built in
1808 (renovated 1845–1852). A new town house was constructed in
1766–1767 and repaired in 1789.
The local newspaper, The Newtown Bee,
began publication in 1877 under John Pearce, passing to the Smith family
in 1881. A notable cultural milestone was the development of the board
game "Scrabble" by James Brunot in the town. The 1905 Bi-Centennial,
chaired by historian Ezra Levan Johnson (born 1832, died 1914),
celebrated the town's history; Johnson, a lifelong resident, served on
the school board for 58 years, wrote for The Bee, and compiled
genealogies.
20th Century (1900–2000)
Newtown returned to
agriculture, specializing in dairy farming, which sustained it through
the first half of the century but strained finances—leading to the 1916
loss of high school accreditation and its 1920 fire. Philanthropist Mary
Hawley (heir to hardware and railroad magnate Marcus Hawley) funded key
projects: the Hawley School (now an elementary school), Cyrenius H.
Booth Library, Edmond Town Hall (1920s), Village Cemetery entrance, a
holding vault, and the War Memorial.
Post-World War II, Newtown
suburbanized rapidly as a commuter town for Danbury, Bridgeport,
Norwalk, and Stamford, aided by automobiles. Population surged from
7,500 in 1950 to nearly 21,000 by 1990 and over 25,000 by 2000,
pressuring schools and infrastructure. Small industries (e.g.,
warehousing for Georgia Pacific, Ethan Allen) arrived but added little
to taxes. The town aimed to balance growth with preserving its
rural-suburban character.
Recent History (2000–Present)
By the
2020 census, Newtown's population reached 27,173, maintaining its
residential, rural appeal within the Western Connecticut Planning
Region. Notable residents include author Suzanne Collins (The Hunger
Games), illustrator Bruce Degen, and roboticist Joseph F. Engelberger.
A tragic event marked December 14, 2012: Adam Lanza, suffering from
severe mental illness, killed his mother at home before attacking Sandy
Hook Elementary School, fatally shooting 20 first-grade children and six
staff members, then himself as police arrived. This incident sparked
national debates on mental health, gun access, and legislation,
profoundly impacting the community.
Abandoned Places in Newtown
Newtown features several abandoned or
semi-abandoned sites that fuel its eerie reputation. These locations
often blend decay with historical significance, attracting trespassers
despite legal risks.
Fairfield Hills State Hospital
One of the
most infamous abandoned places in Newtown is Fairfield Hills State
Hospital, located at 3 Primrose Street. Opened on June 1, 1933, as
Fairfield State Hospital, it was designed to relieve overcrowding at
other Connecticut mental institutions like Connecticut Valley Hospital
and Norwich State Hospital. The campus spanned 670 acres, including
forests and farmlands, with 16 colonial-style red-brick buildings
connected by a network of underground tunnels (now sealed and
impassable). Initially housing under 500 patients with just three
doctors, it grew to over 4,000 patients by the late 1960s, supported by
20 doctors, 50 nurses, and hundreds of staff. The facility was
self-sustaining, with patients working on farms and in workshops.
Treatments at Fairfield Hills reflected the era's harsh psychiatric
practices, including hydrotherapy (prolonged baths in hot or cold
water), electric shock therapy, psychosurgery, and unauthorized
full-frontal lobotomies. Reports of patient abuse were rampant, with
documented cases of cruelty, unnecessary restraints, and suspicious
deaths. Several suicides occurred on the grounds, and the hospital
housed criminally insane individuals, adding to its dark atmosphere. It
closed on December 8, 1995, with patients transferred to other
facilities. The state of Connecticut took ownership, and while some
buildings have been repurposed (e.g., for municipal offices or a
brewery), many remain abandoned and deteriorating, with crumbling
structures, overgrown vegetation, and restricted access enforced by
patrols, especially around Halloween.
The site's abandonment has
preserved an eerie time capsule: explorations reveal intact bathrooms
with paper towels still in dispensers, rusted medical equipment, and
graffiti-covered walls. Trespassing is illegal, with risks of injury
from unstable structures and potential fines or arrests. Parts of the
campus are now used for community purposes, like walking trails, but the
core abandoned buildings evoke a sense of frozen history.
Fairfield
Hills is widely regarded as one of Connecticut's most haunted locations,
featured on shows like MTV's Fear. Paranormal activity includes
disembodied voices echoing through empty halls—screams, cries, and
whispers believed to be patients reliving their torturous treatments.
Apparitions in white clothing, resembling former staff or patients, have
been sighted roaming the grounds and tunnels, as if bound to the site in
death. Investigators report cold spots, feelings of being watched, and
electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) capturing pleas for help. Legends
suggest the spirits are unrestful due to the abuse and deaths, with some
claiming the hospital's isolation amplified negative energies. Ghost
tours and investigations are occasionally permitted, but the site's
reputation draws unauthorized visitors year-round.
Charles
Batchelder Company Facility
Another notable abandoned site is the
Charles Batchelder Company facility at 40-46 Swamp Road in the Botsford
section of Newtown. This 30-acre industrial property operated as an
aluminum smelting plant from the mid-20th century until 1987, when the
company went bankrupt. It melted down scrap metal and junk into
aluminum, leaving behind environmental contamination from hazardous
materials like heavy metals and chemicals. The site includes multiple
dilapidated buildings zoned for manufacturing, now inactive and
overgrown. The EPA has profiled it for cleanup due to soil and
groundwater pollution, making it a Superfund candidate.
Abandonment
has led to urban exploration, with YouTube videos documenting graffiti,
rusted machinery, and collapsing roofs. Unlike Fairfield Hills, it lacks
widespread haunted legends, but its isolation and decay contribute to an
unsettling vibe. Trespassing is prohibited due to safety hazards and
contamination risks. The complex was partially demolished, but remnants
persist as a relic of Newtown's industrial past.
Haunted Legends
and Ghost Stories
Beyond abandoned sites, Newtown boasts folklore
rooted in its colonial and 20th-century history. These tales often
involve historic homes and unsolved crimes.
The Cobbler's Ghost
In 1914, elderly cobbler William Gorr (alias John Green) was brutally
murdered in his shop on Church Hill Road. Discovered with his head
crushed by a hatchet, the case went unsolved despite suspects. Shortly
after, the new tenant reported footsteps from the basement, clanking
pans, and a shadowy figure hammering shoes before vanishing—always
around 9:15 PM, near the murder time. Believed to be Gorr's spirit
seeking justice, the hauntings drew media attention. The shop was
demolished for the Newtown Bee newspaper office, but staff report unease
in the parking lot over the old basement, especially at night.
Revolutionary Loyalist at Hillbrow
At 74 Main Street, the 1715-built
Hillbrow house is haunted by a gentle Tory ghost from the Revolutionary
War. French troops under Rochambeau, camping nearby in 1781, terrorized
the elderly Loyalist resident after his wife refused them bread. Chased
in his nightclothes, he died soon after from exhaustion. Sightings
include warm breezes, missing items, and pets reacting in fear. A mural
depicts the event, with the man's face in chimney smoke.
Effie at
Seven Chimneys
On Gelding Hill Road, the historic Seven Chimneys
house is haunted by "Effie," a former resident's spirit who torments
animals. Cats arch in fear, and kitchen items move inexplicably. The
name "Effie" calmed disturbances when invoked.
The Angel House
Ghost
At Palestine Road's Angel House, a woman's ghost tied to an
affair with politician Adlai Stevenson II descends stairs when the story
is read aloud. Past owners heard footsteps but saw no one.
Garden
Ghost on Sugar Street
An 18th-century house on Sugar Street features
a young girl's apparition emerging from woods, pacing the garden, and
vanishing—sighted repeatedly in the 1970s.
The "Devil Made Me Do
It" Case
Newtown resident Arne Cheyenne Johnson was involved in the
1981 "Devil Made Me Do It" murder trial, the first U.S. case claiming
demonic possession as a defense. Johnson stabbed landlord Alan Bono in
Brookfield, but the possession allegedly began with his fiancée's
brother, David Glatzel, at a Newtown house. Paranormal investigators Ed
and Lorraine Warren claimed 43 demons were involved. Johnson was
convicted of manslaughter, serving five years. The case inspired The
Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and lingers in local lore as a modern
demonic legend.