The History Behind Windsor, Connecticut's Oldest Town, Is Truly Fascinating
As Connecticut’s oldest town, Windsor is full of astonishing architecture, incredible landmarks, and fascinating stories. Strolling through this picturesque place is a treat — especially if you’re a history lover. The stories behind the oldest town in Connecticut are truly fascinating.
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For thousands of years, the area was largely inhabited by the Pequot and Mohegan tribes. In the early 1600s, however, the two nations were at war. In order to create a buffer between the two tribes, Podunk leaders invited Plymouth settlers to settle between them. This small group of European settlers created a home near the gorgeous Farmington River.
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The original settlement was named Dorchester. But in 1637, the colony changed the name to Windsor after the town in Berkshire, England.
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In this trying summer, European settlers experienced a grain shortage. William Pynchon, the founder of Springfield, attempted to negotiate grain prices with natives. After much back and forth, Pynchon returned empty-handed.
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John Mason stormed Springfield and threatened the natives with violence if they refused to share the grain. The natives eventually agreed, and Mason rushed back to Hartford. However -- Mason refused to give any of this valuable grain to Springfield, and he even insisted on an additional tax on their ships.
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The photo above features the Horace H. Ellsworth House, an impressive structure completed in 1872.
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To learn more about this incredible town, visit the Windsor Historical Society's website here.
What’s your favorite fascinating place in Connecticut? If you need some ideas for your next outing, check out these 10 amazing historic landmarks in Connecticut.
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