Sharon is a charming town situated in the scenic Litchfield
Hills region of northwestern Connecticut. For centuries prior to
European colonization, the area was inhabited by the Mattabesec
Native Americans, who were part of the larger Wappinger and
Algonquian confederacies. European settlers established the town
in 1739, naming it after the biblical Plain of Sharon. As one of
the state's larger municipalities by land area—spanning about
59.6 square miles—Sharon is an affluent community celebrated for
its breathtaking natural surroundings, including rolling
highlands, river valleys, and lush forests. The town features
numerous elegantly maintained historic mansions and districts,
such as the Ebenezer Gay House, George King House, and the
Sharon Historic District, many of which are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
With a population
of approximately 2,680 as of the 2020 census, it has a median
household income of around $53,000 and attracts notable
residents like actors Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Michael J.
Fox, and others. Compared to the adjacent town of Kent to the
south, Sharon tends to be more tranquil and less bustling,
making it an ideal spot for those seeking a serene escape amid
New England's rural elegance.
Parks and Nature Preserves
Sharon abounds with outdoor spaces that
highlight its environmental diversity, from riverfront areas to
expansive woodlands. Notable ones include:
Housatonic Meadows
State Park: This 452-acre park straddles the towns of Sharon and
Cornwall along the picturesque Housatonic River, nestled in a
rock-filled valley surrounded by rugged uplands. It's perfect for a
range of activities like camping (sites accommodate up to six people
with picnic tables, fire rings, and grates; daily rates are $17 for
residents and $27 for non-residents, plus fees), hiking on scenic
trails, canoeing or kayaking on the river, fly-fishing (the area is
renowned for trout), and picnicking. The park's location near the West
Cornwall Covered Bridge adds historic appeal, and it's especially
beautiful in autumn with vibrant foliage.
Housatonic State Forest:
Encompassing more than 10,894 acres across Sharon, Canaan, Cornwall, and
North Canaan, this vast forest boasts dramatic features like rocky
ridges, deep river gorges, and some of New England's tallest white pine
stands. It's a haven for adventurers, offering hiking on challenging
trails, hunting (small game, waterfowl, deer, and turkey during
seasons), mountain biking, snowmobiling in winter, and letterboxing. The
terrain is ideal for those who enjoy immersive wilderness experiences,
with over 11,000 acres open for regulated outdoor pursuits.
Sharon
Audubon Center (325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Route 4, ☏ +1 860 364-0520):
Operated by Audubon Connecticut (part of the National Audubon Society),
this center focuses on connecting visitors with nature through its
facilities in the Connecticut-New York border region. Highlights include
a wildlife rehabilitation clinic, a pollinator garden, and a MOTUS
wildlife tracking station. The site features two scenic ponds—the
marshier Ford Pond and the larger, clearer Bog Meadow Pond—along with a
raptor rehabilitation area, rescued animal exhibits, and a variety of
trails that may get muddy or insect-heavy after rain (insect repellent
is advised). Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with species like
American Goldfinches, Red-tailed Hawks, Indigo Buntings, Black-and-white
Warblers, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Trails are open from sunrise to
sunset year-round, with free trail maps available online or on-site.
Admission fees are $3 per person, $1.50 for seniors and children, and
free for National Audubon Society members or friends of the center. Note
that the visitor center and nature store are currently closed, but the
grounds remain accessible for self-guided exploration.
Other natural
gems include Mudge Pond, a 206-acre lake in the northwest ideal for
boating or fishing, and segments of the Appalachian Trail that weave
through the eastern side near West Cornwall.
Golf
Sharon
Country Club (2 Golf Road, ☏ +1 860-364-5964, fax: +1 860-364-5935):
This private club maintains a classic 9-hole regulation golf course set
against the town's rolling landscapes. It's suitable for golfers of
various skill levels, though access typically requires membership or an
invitation; contact the club for details on guest play or events.
By Car
Sharon's rural setting makes driving the primary way to
arrive. U.S. Route 7 runs north-south along the township's eastern
border, closely following the west bank of the Housatonic River and
providing stunning river views. In the town center, State Route 41
intersects roughly north-south, while State Route 4 (which shifts to 343
across the New York border) runs southeast-northwest, linking to Amenia,
New York. Further north, State Route 361 (continuing with the same
number in New York) connects to Millerton. The town is conveniently
located about 52 miles west of Hartford, 42 miles north of Danbury, and
30 miles northeast of Poughkeepsie, New York, making it accessible for
day trips or weekend getaways.
Given Sharon's expansive layout, low population density, and dispersed attractions, having your own car is crucial for convenient travel between sites like parks, shops, and dining spots. Public transportation is limited, and walking or biking may only suit short distances in the central areas.
Sharon's shopping scene emphasizes local, curated, and specialty
items, with a mix of boutiques, markets, and galleries that reflect the
town's artistic and rural vibe:
Sharon Farm Market (10 Gay St, ☏
+1 860-397-5161): A one-stop shop for fresh groceries, sushi, seafood,
deli selections, and even flowers.
The McKenzie Shoppe: Specializes
in thoughtfully sourced home decor, furnishings, and whimsical treasures
with a timeless appeal.
Ivy's Collective (2 US-7, ☏ +1 646-783-9423):
A boutique offering unique, handpicked items; hours vary (closed
Mon-Wed), so check ahead.
Sharon Package Store: Focuses on fine
wines, artisanal cheeses, craft beers, liquors, and cigars, with
friendly recommendations.
Other highlights include thrift options
like The Barn Thrift Shop, art galleries such as Standard Space, and
general stores like Cornwall Bridge Pottery or Plaid Rooster for
eclectic finds. The town is also noted for bargain shopping amid its
historic charm.
The town's dining options are cozy and diverse, blending local
flavors with international influences:
When Pigs Fly Southern
BBQ: A standout for authentic smoked meats, including pork, beef,
chicken, and ribs prepared over hardwoods in a custom smoker; highly
rated for its soulful Southern style (4.3/5 on TripAdvisor).
Le Gamin
(10 Gay St, ☏ +1 860-397-5382): A casual French cafe open daily from
8am-8pm (extended to 8:30pm Thu-Sat), serving authentic fare like
crepes, salads, and sandwiches in a relaxed setting.
J.P. Gifford
(Sharon Cafe, ☏ +1 860-238-3080): Emphasizes pure, simple meals; great
for quick bites or catering, with a focus on quality ingredients.
Nearby gems include Fern (upscale Italian in Lakeville) for elegant
pasta and entrees, and The Woodland Restaurant (sushi and creative
American dishes in a chic, casual space).
Sharon's nightlife is low-key and inviting, centered on taverns and
bars that offer a warm, community feel:
Sharon Valley Tavern: A
classic local dive with a welcoming vibe, ideal for casual drinks and
mingling.
The Edward: A cozy wine and cocktail bar (formerly The
Porchlight) featuring a fireplace, flatbreads, cheese plates, and small
bites; named in honor of family members.
Black Rabbit Bar & Grille:
Nearby spot for grille fare alongside beers and cocktails in a lively
setting.
Additional options in the area include Willa for craft
drinks, Kent Falls Brewing for local brews, and Captain Kidds Inn for a
more traditional pub experience. Nightlife here leans toward relaxed
evenings rather than high-energy clubs.
Accommodations in Sharon provide comfortable, often historic stays
with easy access to the town's attractions:
Sharon Country Inn:
Offers attractive, modern rooms in a relaxing environment, highly
recommended for its comfort and location near key sites like Housatonic
Meadows State Park.
Wake Robin Inn (nearby in Lakeville): A charming
inn with a peaceful ambiance, suitable for couples or small groups.
Troutbeck and White Hart Inn: Popular upscale options in the vicinity,
blending historic elegance with luxury amenities.
Other choices
include budget-friendly spots like Days Inn by Wyndham Torrington, or
nearby lodges such as Cornwall Inn and Lodge and The Litchfield Inn for
a mix of historic and contemporary vibes. Many allow flexible bookings
with free cancellation.
Pre-Colonial and Indigenous Era
The land that would become Sharon,
Connecticut, was originally inhabited by the Mohican (also spelled
Mahican) nation, who referred to themselves as Muh-he-ka-ne-ok, meaning
"People of the Waters that Are Never Still." This Algonquian-speaking
group, part of the broader Wappinger confederacy and the Mattabesec
subgroup, maintained a community called Wechquadnach, located just west
of what is now Mudge Pond in the northwest corner of the town. Their
principal village was situated on the eastern border of Indian Pond
(known as Weequagnock), with additional settlements near another pond
and along the Ten Mile River (Webotuck). The Mohicans were not numerous
enough to pose a significant threat to incoming European settlers, but
land disputes arose as colonization progressed.
European contact
began in earnest in the early 18th century, but tensions escalated over
land rights. In October 1738, Connecticut colonists purchased the Indian
title to the area for about $450 through Thomas Lamb of Salisbury,
though the agreement left unclear reservations, leading to ongoing
conflicts. The Mohicans accused Lamb of exploiting their lack of
knowledge to acquire more land than intended, including reserved areas
like the northwest corner and other parcels. In 1742, a joint memorial
from Sharon proprietors (including Rev. Peter Pratt, Nathaniel Skinner,
and Jonathan Dunham) and Mohican leaders (such as Stephen Nequitimaugh
Nanhoon) was submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly, requesting
an investigation and provisions for the Indians' religious instruction
and education.
A committee consisting of Thomas Fitch, Daniel
Edwards, and Robert Walker met in Sharon on October 11, 1742, and
recommended setting aside no more than 50 acres for the Mohicans, with
compensation to proprietors and support for their spiritual advancement.
However, no compensation was provided, and disputes continued. In 1745
and 1746, further memorials led to surveys by William Preston, Samuel
Canfield, and Roger Sherman, but tensions persisted, fueled by agitators
like the Dutchman Van Arenan, who falsely claimed to repurchase lands.
By 1747, local Mohican leaders filed a formal complaint with the
Connecticut General Assembly protesting unlawful occupation by the
English. Around 1750, Thomas Barnes purchased the remaining Indian
territory from chiefs Nequitimaugh and Bartholomew, with the legislature
confirming his title despite irregularities.
The Old French War
(1754–1763) heightened fears, with incidents like settler Thomas Jones
reporting disturbances near Indian Pond in 1754, leading to armed guards
and a reported shooting by John Palmer. By 1752, the Mohicans were fully
dispossessed when colonists "bought" the last village of Wechquadnach
and forced them off the lands. The tribe dispersed around 1755, ending
their organized presence in the area, though resentment lingered until
the peace between England and France in 1761 resolved remaining claims.
Colonial Settlement and Incorporation (1730s–1740s)
The
northwestern region of Connecticut, including Sharon, was among the last
areas settled due to land disputes and delayed sales. Most lands in the
colony were disposed of by 1686, but those north of Waterbury and
Woodbury and west of Simsbury remained public. Under the 1662 Charter,
governance shifted with royal interventions, but by 1722, rising land
values sparked controversies between Hartford, Windsor, and the colony,
resolved by dividing the lands (eastern to the towns, western to the
colony). Surveys began in 1732 by Edmund Lewis, Stephen Noble, and
William Gaylord, designating the northern township as "M" (Salisbury)
and the southern as "N. S." (Sharon), bounded by the Ousatonic
(Housatonic) River to the east and the New York line to the west. The
Connecticut-New York boundary was formalized in May 1731 by
commissioners including Samuel Eells and Cadwalader Colden.
Early
non-native presence included Richard Sackett, a sea captain who acquired
about 22,000 acres from Chief Metoxon around 1710, believing it in New
York. The 1731 boundary placed over 7,000 acres in Connecticut. Sackett
built a dwelling in Sharon Valley and settled tenant Baltus Lott, the
first white inhabitant, but abandoned his claim after failed petitions.
About 400 acres were granted as "country lands" to Samuel Orvis and
Jonathan Bird, sold to Daniel Jackson by 1734. Jackson, the first New
England settler, built a house near Hitchcock's Corner; his son Jehiel
was the first white child born in Sharon. Jackson sold to Garret Winegar
in 1739 and relocated.
In 1738, the Connecticut Assembly ordered the
auction of Sharon township in New Haven, divided into 53 rights
(including for minister, ministry, and schools). Purchasers included
Nathaniel Skinner, Samuel Calkin, and others, forming the Proprietors of
the Common and Undivided Land. Rights averaged nearly 700 acres at
$1,000 each, with conditions for settlement: build an 18-foot square
house, clear six acres, reside three years. Many sold to early settlers
like John Williams and Caleb Jewett. Explorers in fall 1738 laid out a
main street from Jackson’s Patent to Salisbury; William Goodrich
overwintered 1738–1739 amid harsh conditions. Settlers primarily from
Lebanon and Colchester arrived in spring 1739, occupying most land
quickly.
Sharon was incorporated on October 31, 1739, named after the
fertile Biblical Plain of Sharon. The first town meeting on December 11,
1739, at Nathaniel Skinner's house elected officers: Jonathan Dunham
(moderator, selectman), Nathaniel Skinner (clerk), and others. Rev.
Peter Pratt, a Yale graduate, was invited in January 1740 and ordained
in April. The Congregational Church formed in spring 1740 with members
from Colchester. Worship began in homes and barns; a 45x35-foot meeting
house was built starting 1742, used partially by October.
A "nervous
fever" epidemic in May 1742 sickened over 120 and killed 20, causing
crop failures and financial distress; Rev. Pratt's memorial secured
payment extensions from the Assembly. Early deaths included Miriam
Goodrich (1740); first marriage: Elnathan Goodrich and Elizabeth Showers
(1740). Large estates were acquired by Philip Livingston and Martin
Hoffman amid settlers' hardships.
Mid-18th Century: Missions,
Wars, and Growth
Moravian missionaries arrived around 1740 to convert
the Mohicans, with stations at Wequagnock and Schaticook. Rev. Christian
Henry Rauch started, followed by Gotlieb Buetner (died 1745, buried
locally). David Bruce, a Scottish catechist, died in 1749 and was buried
at Indian Pond. The mission was disrupted in 1745 by New York
authorities suspecting Jesuit ties. After the Mohicans dispersed in
1755, a white congregation built a meeting house and retained Rev.
Joseph Powell (died 1774). Sites were forgotten until the 1850s;
monuments were erected in 1859 by the Moravian Historical Society, with
dedication drawing 1,700 attendees.
Revolutionary War Era
(1770s–1780s)
Sharon residents were ardent patriots, influenced by
Rev. John Smith (successor to Pratt, who died in 1748), whose Whig
sermons and hymns rallied support. Upon news of Lexington (1775), Smith
announced it mid-sermon, mobilizing 100 militia under Capt. David Downs.
A company under Maj. Samuel Elmore joined the Canada campaign;
volunteers like Adonijah Maxam were captured near Montreal but escaped.
Alexander Spencer died on Arnold's Quebec march.
In 1776, over 100
enlisted; companies fought in Canada and New York, with captures at Fort
Washington (deaths included David Wood). A winter company served at
Kingsbridge. In 1777, militia under Col. Ebenezer Gay confronted British
during Tryon's Danbury raid; Lt. Samuel Elmer Jr. was killed. Sharon
volunteers dispersed Tories in Dutchess County, capturing 30–40. In
Burgoyne's campaign, John Hollister died at Stillwater; surrender was
celebrated in Smith's sermon. Captured British marched through; a
Scottish prisoner died locally. Post-1777 duties included coastal guards
and alarms; some faced fines for non-service, but support was
near-unanimous.
19th Century: Industrial Boom and Civil War
Iron manufacturing became central, with local ore sustaining industry.
In the early 1800s, Asahel Hotchkiss produced rakes, buckles, and
currycombs. Sharon Valley hosted enterprises like limekilns and iron
works, remnants of which remain.
Hiram Weed (born 1809) was a key
industrialist in Calkinstown, operating a lime quarry on White Hollow
Road (pre-1842) and a bloomery forge in Hutchinson Hollow (acquired
1842, originally built 1760). He built a cold-blast furnace in 1845,
enlarged by 1855, producing 500 tons of pig iron annually using
charcoal, local ore, and the Housatonic Railroad (1841) for transport.
Water power from dams like Weed’s Dam supported operations.
An
ill-fated canal proposal to link Sharon to New York City aimed to
transport iron and lime but failed due to engineering issues and
railroad competition. The northeast corner featured charcoal, firestone
(talc-carbonate), and clay bed operations tied to iron furnaces in Lime
Rock, with mines on Mine Mountain and Mount Easter. Industry peaked
around 1840 but declined by the 1890s as dairy farming rose.
During
the Civil War, Sharon produced munitions and invented the Hotchkiss
explosive shell. From 1880–1920, it attracted a vacation community;
wealthy visitors refurbished homes in Colonial Revival style, especially
south of the green on South Main Street.
20th Century to Present:
Transition to Residential Community
Early 20th-century industry
lingered until 1919, with clay beds active around the turn of the
century. Jewish farmers settled in the Dutchess-Litchfield region,
including Sharon, establishing communities. The town evolved into a
quiet bedroom community in Litchfield County's northwest corner,
bordering New York, with visible iron stacks from its past. As the
third-largest town by area in Connecticut, it forms part of the
Northwest Highlands, centered on the Housatonic River watershed. Today,
Sharon preserves its history through sites like the Sharon Historical
Society & Museum, emphasizing its industrial and indigenous legacy.
Sharon, Connecticut, a quaint town in Litchfield County with a
population of around 2,700, is steeped in early American history, having
been incorporated in 1739. Originally inhabited by the Mattabesec Native
Americans (part of the Wappinger confederacy), the area was known as
Poconnuck before European settlement. While Sharon isn't renowned for
dramatic haunted legends within its borders, its historical sites and
remnants of industrial past offer an eerie glimpse into bygone eras,
evoking a sense of abandonment and forgotten enterprise. The most
notable abandoned spots revolve around the Sharon Valley Historic
District, a National Register of Historic Places site that preserves the
ruins of 19th-century industry along Webatuck Creek and Indian Lake
Creek.
Sharon Valley Historic District: Industrial Ruins and
Forgotten Mills
The Sharon Valley, a flat settlement nestled between
two creeks, transitioned from agricultural roots in the 18th century to
a hub of water-powered industry in the 19th century. Farms dominated
early life, with residents like Chauncey W. Morehouse owning vast
acreage for sheep raising. Small-scale operations—such as blacksmith
shops, cider mills, woodworking facilities, carriage works, and tinware
production—supported the community. However, larger industries emerged,
drawing workers including Irish immigrants, single women, and children,
and shaping the valley into a bustling enclave.
Iron Furnace
Ruins: Built in 1825 by Lyman Bradley, this was the valley's cornerstone
industry. Initially a cold-blast furnace employing 12 workers by 1850,
it produced pig iron essential for tools and machinery. Ownership passed
to Horace Landon and later the Sharon Valley Iron Company, which
expanded operations to include ore beds, limestone quarries, and
timberland. In 1863, it was upgraded to a hot-blast system for
efficiency. By 1898, the company sold off assets, and the furnace ceased
operations around 1900 amid regional industrial decline. Today, the site
across Webatuck Creek features crumbling limestone rubble foundations,
iron tie-rods, firebrick arches, a wheel pit with an arch over the
tailrace, slag mounds, and a 1,500-foot headrace leading to a rubble
dam. The furnace stack has largely tumbled, leaving an atmospheric ruin
overgrown with vegetation, symbolizing the era's industrial ambition and
eventual abandonment.
Limekiln Ruins: Dating to around 1880, this
structure was likely a sideline to the iron business, owned by Morehouse
who leased nearby limestone quarries. The kiln, located at the base of a
hill on Sharon Station Road, measures about 18 feet square at the base,
tapering to 20 feet high. Constructed of rubble limestone walls banded
with oak timbers, it features round-arched openings (lined with
firebrick) for loading and firing. Though deteriorated at the top, it's
remarkably preserved and represents the lime-burning process used for
mortar and agriculture. Like the furnace, it shut down circa 1900,
leaving a solitary, abandoned monument to Sharon's resource extraction
history.
Malleable Iron Works Site: Started in 1829 by Asahel
Hotchkiss, this factory on Mudge Pond Brook (later Indian Lake Creek)
produced hardware like traps, tools, and bridles. By 1860, under
Hotchkiss & Sons, it employed 87 workers and even manufactured exploding
artillery shells during the Civil War (invented by Andrew Hotchkiss).
The operation relocated to Bridgeport post-war, with successors like
Jewett Manufacturing and Sharon Valley Malleable and Gray Iron Company
continuing until the late 1870s. The site, once employing up to 48
people, now shows only scattered cinders and discarded ironwork in the
streambed; it has been graded and partially built over for modern
housing, erasing much of its footprint but leaving subtle traces of
abandonment.
Other remnants include a historic lenticular truss
bridge over Webatuck Creek (now repurposed as guardrails after the 1955
flood) and concealed sites of smaller enterprises, obscured by flooding
and natural reclamation. The district's decline in the late 19th century
was driven by exhausted resources, competition from larger industrial
centers, and economic shifts, turning what was once a vibrant employer
into quiet ruins. Visitors can explore these sites for a tangible
connection to Connecticut's iron heritage, though access may require
permission as parts are on private land. No specific folklore or
hauntings are documented here, but the isolated, overgrown
ruins—especially at dusk—can feel profoundly eerie, as if echoing the
toil of long-gone workers.
Other potential abandoned spots in Sharon
include dilapidated historic houses occasionally demolished (e.g., a
saltbox off Route 4 torn down in 2003 due to decay) and remnants of
relocated structures, like those moved for the Sharon Housing Trust
apartments. However, these are more about preservation than outright
abandonment.
Sharon itself lacks prominent documented haunted legends or ghost
stories in popular folklore compilations, perhaps due to its small size
and focus on preserved history rather than supernatural tales. Local
searches and historical records reveal no spectral elderly women, cursed
sites, or ghostly apparitions tied directly to the town—earlier mentions
of places like Blaber House appear to be misattributions to nearby areas
in New York. Instead, Sharon's "legends" lean toward quirky local
figures, such as "Boo Boo Bejean, the Bike Man," a enigmatic character
remembered fondly in community discussions. Described as a local legend,
details are sparse and anecdotal—possibly an eccentric bicyclist who
roamed the area, inspiring stories passed down orally. Some requests for
information suggest he was a beloved or mysterious resident, but no
haunted elements are associated; it may simply be a charming slice of
small-town lore rather than anything spooky.
However, Sharon's
proximity to other Litchfield County sites means it's often lumped into
regional ghost lore. The most infamous nearby legend is that of
Dudleytown (also known as the Village of the Damned), an abandoned
settlement in the Dark Entry Forest in neighboring Cornwall, just a
short drive from Sharon. Founded in the 1740s by the Dudley family
(descendants of English nobility linked to treason and beheadings under
King Henry VIII), the village is said to carry a centuries-old curse.
According to lore, the Dudleys brought misfortune from England, leading
to a string of tragedies: crop failures, mysterious illnesses, violent
deaths, suicides, and descents into madness among residents. By the
early 20th century, the settlement was completely abandoned, its stone
foundations and cellars reclaimed by dense forest.
Urban legends
amplify the curse: visitors report eerie silences (no birdsong or
wildlife), shadowy figures, demonic presences, and physical ailments
like nausea or paranoia. Some claim to have seen ghosts of former
inhabitants wandering the ruins or felt unseen hands pushing them. The
site's reputation exploded in the 1970s-80s through books and films
(inspiring "The Blair Witch Project" vibes), drawing trespassers despite
it being private property owned by the Dark Entry Forest Association.
Access is strictly prohibited, with fines for entry, as vandalism and
accidents have plagued the area. Skeptics attribute the "curse" to
natural explanations—poor soil, isolation, and economic hardship—while
believers point to historical records of bizarre events, like a
resident's wife murdered by lightning or others going insane.
While Sharon may not boast its own ghost tours, its historical districts
and proximity to sites like
Dudleytown make it a
subtle gateway to Connecticut's darker folklore. If exploring, respect
private property and local laws—many "abandoned" areas are protected
historic sites. For more on regional haunts, consider broader Litchfield
County tales, like the Green Lady Cemetery in nearby Burlington or the
Warrens' investigations in Monroe.