Sherman, Connecticut

Sherman, Connecticut. Sherman is a rural town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, within the Northwest Hills Planning Region. Incorporated in 1802 from a portion of New Fairfield, it is known for its scenic landscapes, including Candlewood Lake and the Appalachian Trail. The town maintains a strong sense of community and historic preservation, with a government led by a Board of Selectmen and the town meeting form of governance.

History

The area was originally part of the Pootatuck lands and was later settled by colonists from Fairfield and Norwalk in the early 18th century. Initially known as "New Fairfield North Purchase" or "Huntington's Patent," it separated and was incorporated as Sherman in 1802, named for Roger Sherman, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. Early industry included small-scale farming, sawmills, and gristmills. The arrival of the Shepaug Railroad in the late 19th century connected the community to larger markets like Danbury and New York City, fostering growth. The creation of Candlewood Lake in the 1920s by the Connecticut Light & Power Company transformed the local geography and economy, leading to increased seasonal residency and recreational use.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.9 square miles, of which 22.7 square miles is land and 1.2 square miles is water. Sherman is characterized by the wooded hills of the Berkshire foothills and a significant portion of the western shore of Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in Connecticut. The Appalachian Trail passes through the town's northwest corner, and other notable natural features include the Squantz Pond area and the Rocky River. The town borders New Fairfield to the east, New Milford to the north, Kent to the west, and the State of New York (Putnam County) to the south.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,655. The population density was 161.2 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Two or More Races. The median household income is significantly above the state average, reflecting its status as an affluent commuter town with many residents working in corporate centers like Danbury, Stamford, and New York City. A notable portion of housing consists of seasonal or recreational homes on Candlewood Lake.

Government and infrastructure

Sherman employs the Selectman–town meeting form of government, led by a three-member Board of Selectmen. The town is part of Connecticut's 5th congressional district and State Senate District 30. Essential services are provided by a volunteer Fire Department and a resident State Police trooper. The Sherman School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade; high school students attend New Milford High School in the neighboring town. The town is served by the Sherman Library, a historic building that also houses the Sherman Historical Society. Major roadways include Route 37 and Route 39, with no direct rail service following the discontinuation of the Shepaug Railroad.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the town include actress and singer Megan Hilty, political commentator and author Bill O'Reilly, and actress Phylicia Rashad. Famed illustrator and author Maurice Sendak maintained a home and studio in Sherman for many years. Other residents have included businessman Malcolm S. Forbes and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and essayist Mark Van Doren.

Category:Towns in Connecticut Category:Towns in Fairfield County, Connecticut Category:1802 establishments in Connecticut