Branford History

Did you know…

• The first settlers of New Haven purchased land from the Mattabesech Indians in 1638, which included the territory of Totoket, later called Branford.
• In the 1600s, a trading post was set up by the Dutch at the mouth of the Branford River; hence, the name Dutch Wharf.
• It is believed that Branford was named after Brentford, England.
• Farming was the mainstay of Branford life for over 200 years. The community was also an accessible port, with ships trading lumber, livestock, brooms, and produce for molasses and rum from the West Indies.
  
• Stony Creek was the first shoreline community settled in the late 18^th century, followed by Indian Neck. Pine Orchard and Stony Creek were not permanently settled until the mid 1800s.
• The railroad, in 1852, brought new business into Branford, including Branford Lockworks, Malleable Iron Fittings Company, and the Atlantic Wire Company.
  
• Twenty summer hotels made Branford a popular resort area including the Indian Point House in Stony Creek, the Montowese House in Indian Neck, and the Sheldon House in Pine Orchard.
  

 For more information, visit www.branfordhistory.org.