New Milford, Connecticut
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| New Milford, Connecticut | |
|---|---|
| Name | New Milford |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Connecticut |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Litchfield |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1707 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1712 |
| Government type | Council-manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Pete Bass |
| Area total km2 | 165.3 |
| Area total sq mi | 63.8 |
| Area land km2 | 157.6 |
| Area land sq mi | 60.9 |
| Area water km2 | 7.7 |
| Area water sq mi | 3.0 |
| Elevation m | 90 |
| Elevation ft | 295 |
| Population total | 28415 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 06776 |
| Area code | 860 and 959 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 09-52190 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0213472 |
| Website | www.newmilford.org |
New Milford, Connecticut. New Milford is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, situated along the banks of the Housatonic River. Incorporated in 1712, it is the largest town in the state by land area and serves as a commercial and cultural hub for the surrounding region. The town is known for its expansive historic Green, its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, and its scenic location within the Litchfield Hills.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Weantinock people before European settlement began in 1707, led by individuals like John Noble. The town was officially incorporated by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1712, with early growth centered around agriculture and milling along the Housatonic River. During the American Revolutionary War, the community contributed soldiers to the Continental Army, and later became a stagecoach stop on the route between Danbury and Albany. The 19th century saw industrialization with the arrival of the Housatonic Railroad and factories producing goods like rubber and textiles. Notable 20th-century residents included the renowned illustrator and author Norman Rockwell, who lived at the Rockwell House, and the town expanded significantly post-World War II with the construction of Route 7 and new residential developments.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, New Milford has a total area of 63.8 square miles, making it the largest town in Connecticut by land area. It is bordered by the towns of Bridgewater, Brookfield, Washington, Warren, Kent, and Sherman, as well as the New York towns of Patterson and Southeast. The Housatonic River flows north-to-south through the town, and major bodies of water include Lake Candlewood and Lake Lillinonah, both popular for recreation. The terrain features a mix of river valleys, rolling hills, and forested areas, with parts of the town within the Appalachian Trail corridor.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of New Milford was 28,415. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Hispanic, African American, and Asian communities. The median household income has historically been above the state average, with major ancestry groups including Italian, Irish, German, and Polish. Population growth was significant in the latter half of the 20th century, driven by its proximity to Interstate 84 and its appeal as a residential community for the Danbury and Waterbury areas.
Economy
The economy has transitioned from its historical base in manufacturing and agriculture to a more diversified mix of healthcare, retail, professional services, and light industry. Major employers include Nuvance Health, Stop & Shop, Webster Bank, and various technology and precision manufacturing firms. The town center, anchored by the New Milford Green, features a mix of national retailers and local small businesses. Tourism also contributes, with visitors drawn to events like the annual New Milford Village Fair Days, antique shops, and outdoor activities on the Housatonic River and Lake Candlewood.
Government and infrastructure
New Milford operates under a council-manager system, with an elected Town Council and a professional Town manager overseeing daily operations. The current mayor is Pete Bass. Key infrastructure includes the New Milford Police Department, the New Milford Public Works Department, and the New Milford Volunteer Fire Department. The town is served by the New Milford Public Schools district, which includes New Milford High School, and is part of the Connecticut's 5th congressional district. Utilities are provided by Eversource Energy and the New Milford Water Company, and the town is accessible via U.S. Route 7 and Connecticut Route 25.
Culture and recreation
The town's cultural heart is the historic New Milford Green, which hosts numerous events including summer concerts and the famed New Milford Village Fair Days. Cultural institutions include the New Milford Historical Society and the Maxx Music & Performing Arts Center. Recreational opportunities abound at Harrybrooke Park, along the Housatonic River for fishing and kayaking, and at nearby Lake Candlewood and Lake Lillinonah. The town is also home to the Lynn Deming Park and the John Pettibone Community Center, and its scenic landscapes have been featured in works by artists like Norman Rockwell and Eric Sloane.
Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in Litchfield County, Connecticut Category:Populated places established in 1707