Newington Town History

The documented lifespan of Newington is relatively brief – covering a span of 135 years. However, its history goes back over 335 years when it was a part of the neighboring town of Wethersfield . In the 1600's, woodcutters from Wethersfield were sent to “ Pipestave Swamp ” in Newington to harvest timber. During its history, Newington was also known as “Cowplain” and “West Farms.”

The Town seal, which has a waterfall as its focal point, reflects the importance of using the Mill Pond waterfall in the 1670's for energy to run a sawmill near the site of the present town garage.

In the late 1600's, settlers from Wethersfield came to reside in the “West Society of Wethersfield” – these settlers had been given grants for new farms on the western frontier. The farmers were attracted to Newington because the land is level and rich with glacial deposits.

   

The General Assembly legally named “ Newington ,” which means “new town in the meadow,” in 1721 and finally incorporated the town in 1871. At the time of incorporation, Newington had a population of 837 with 132 dwellings and 130 farms.

Today, the 130 farms have almost disappeared. Newington has transformed itself from a farming community to a strategically located suburb of Hartford . A suburb filled with honest, hard working families and community oriented individuals.

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