The Oldest And Largest Historic District in Connecticut - Wethersfield

Historic Sites

Apr 29

Wethersfield, Connecticut was settled in 1634 and more than 150 homes predate the Civil War and some predate the Revolutionary War. A walk through the historic district of Old Wethersfield seems like it is in a world of its own, yet it is just minutes from busy I-91. Wethersfield is a living and working community that also happens to be deeply involved in preserving the town’s authentic New England heritage.

The Wethersfield Witch Trials, mostly overlooked, occurred four decades before the Salem Witch Trials. Forty-three cases were heard, ending in sixteen executions for witchcraft in the 17th century.

Take a stroll through three centuries of architectural history, like I did.

This is what caught my eye, hope you enjoy it!

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

The brick Federal-style home built in 1804 on Main Street is the Hurlbut-Dunham House.

History lovers and architecture fans walk the streets admiring the classic New England village.

First Church of Christ on Main Street

The Allyn Smith House was built in 1790 on Broad Street.

Built in 1878, the James R. Anderson on Broad Street is considered Gothic Revival or Carpenter Revival.

This is the early colonial style Buttolph-Williams House on Broad Street in 1714.

Few homes have changed the original lines so they retain their original appearance.

A historic home nestled among tree-lined streets

Enjoy the town’s grand architecture and history.

This is Cove Warehouse, the last remaining 17th century warehouse on the Connecticut River. Ships would travel from the West Indies to the shores of the Atlantic and up the Connecticut River with trade goods.

Trinity Episcopal Church was built between 1871 and 1874 on Main Street.

This is the Henry Stillman House built in 1872 in the Gothic Revival style on Main Street.

This is the historic Comstock, Ferre & Co building on Main Street, standing the test of time offering heirloom seeds since 1811 (originally called the Wethersfield Seed Gardens).

Houses along Main Street

Another view of Main Street

Built in 1873, the elegant Silas W. Robbins House is now a bed & breakfast. It is said to be the finest example of Second Empire architecture in town.

Grange Hall on Main Street, was built in 1898 and served as a meeting place and social center for the farmers and their families.

While most buildings are in good state of repair, a few have had to undergo full restoration.

Some houses are painted in bright colors.

A country barn

The Wethersfield Museum has exhibits related to history of the town.

Among the exhibits in the Wethersfield Museum is this cell from the Wethersfield Prison.

This electric chair on public display in the Wethersfield Museum is on lend from the state Department of Correction.

Each fascinating home captures the essence of the style in vogue at the time.

What you should know:

There is a three-mile, self-guided Heritage Walk. You can access /print the map here
The Wethersfield Museum and Visitors Center are located in the same building at 200 Main Street. The staff are very friendly and informative.
This is a walkable historic district.
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day.
On the street parking, some metered, and parking lot options are available; check posted parking regulation signs.
Parking in-season may be difficult.
There are some restaurant options.