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LITCHFIELD
IS A SMALL TOWN of approximately 8,000 people located in northwestern
Connecticut.
Founded
in 1719, Litchfield has a rich history. The town was the home
of the first law school in the United States as well as an
early school for girls. At the end of the 19th century, Litchfield
residents became leaders in the Colonial Revival movement.
Today, carefully preserved 18th and 19th c. homes share space
with innovative 20th c. architecture. Travelers from all over
the world visit Litchfield to enjoy its architecture, shops,
restaurants, and natural beauty.
Favorite
pastimes include outdoor sports such as hiking, boating, and
cycling. The town is one hour from Hartford and New Haven
and two and a half hours from New York City and Boston.
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| Litchfield’s
inland location on major trade routes gave the town unique role
during the American Revolution. Because Litchfield’s inland
location made it a “safe town” the community was used
to house important loyalist prisoners and as a supply depot
for military stores.
The Society's 2006 exhibition The
Tale of the Horse presented information about both the
activities of Litchfield's residents during the war and their
efforts to memorialize it in subsequent years. Click on the
link to see objects and documents included in the show. |
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fifty years between 1784 and 1834 were a time of growth and
prosperity for the community. During these years Litchfield
was an active growing urban center, and by 1810 the town had
become the fourth largest in the state. During these years Litchfield
was home to two pioneering educational institutions, the Litchfield
Law School and the Litchfield Female Academy. |
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the 1840's water power and railroads had become critical components
in the growth of manufacturing. Industries by-passed Litchfield’s
hilltop location in favor of valley towns, and the village settled
into a sleepy existence. |
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| Today,
Litchfield is a vibrant community. The town’s population
continues to grow, and residents and visitors alike treasure
the historic character of the architecture and landscape. |
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| With
more than 1,100 students attending from every region of post-revolutionary
America, the Litchfield Law School, America’s first law
school, launched the careers of many well-known politicians,
jurists, educators as well as leaders in the nation’s emerging
corporate, mercantile, industrial and financial establishments. |
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Litchfield Female Academy was one of a small group of schools
that played a critical role in shaping later educational, social
and economic opportunities for women in the United States. Over
its forty-one year history the academy attracted over 3,000
students from fifteen states and territories, Canada, Ireland
and the West Indies. |
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