Cornwall, Connecticut History, Economy and Politics
According to Ablogtophone, Cornwall, Connecticut is located in the Litchfield Hills region of Northwestern Connecticut. It is bordered by the towns of Sharon, Salisbury, and Canaan. The town has a total area of 17.9 square miles with most of the land being mountainous terrain with numerous ridges and valleys.
The highest elevation point in Cornwall is Mica Mountain which stands at 1,870 feet above sea level. The town also has several rivers and streams including the Housatonic River which forms its eastern boundary.
The climate in Cornwall is typical for Connecticut with hot humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall. The average temperature in summer ranges between 60-80°F while winter temperatures typically drop to around 30-40°F.
Much of the land in Cornwall is forested with oak, maple, hickory and other hardwood trees dominating the landscape. There are also several open meadows which provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species such as deer, foxes, raccoons and wild turkeys.
Cornwall is home to several protected areas including Mohawk State Forest which covers 1,854 acres and includes hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape!
History of Cornwall, Connecticut
Cornwall, Connecticut is located in the Litchfield Hills of the Northwest Corner of the state. It was first settled by English colonists in 1740, who purchased land from the indigenous Mahicans. The town was officially founded in 1761 after being granted a charter from the General Assembly of Connecticut. The first settlers were primarily farmers, and Cornwall quickly became known for its agricultural output. In fact, it was said that “no place had finer apples” than Cornwall!
In addition to its agricultural roots, Cornwall was also known for its iron ore production. Iron ore mining began in 1822 when local businessman Joel Smith discovered iron ore deposits on his property. This discovery led to a thriving industry that lasted until about 1940 when most of the iron ore had been mined out. During this time period, Cornwall also developed a reputation for its milling industry which included grist mills and saw mills that operated on water power from several local streams and rivers. In addition to providing power for these mills, these waterways also provided transportation routes which allowed goods to be shipped throughout the region and beyond.
Economy of Cornwall, Connecticut
Cornwall, Connecticut has a long history of economic development stemming from its agricultural, iron ore mining, and milling industries. Agriculture has been a staple of the local economy since the town’s founding in 1761. The town was known for its production of apples and other fruits as well as grains and livestock. Iron ore mining began in 1822 when local businessman Joel Smith discovered iron ore deposits on his property, leading to a thriving industry that lasted until about 1940. Milling was also an important part of Cornwall’s economy with several grist mills and saw mills operating on water power from several local streams and rivers.
In addition to these traditional industries, Cornwall also had a booming tourism industry during the 19th century which attracted visitors from all over the country who wanted to experience its picturesque views and charming atmosphere. The town also had several resorts that provided lodging for these visitors as well as entertainment such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, boating, and more.
More recently, Cornwall has seen an influx of small businesses that have opened up shop in this rural corner of Connecticut. These businesses range from craft breweries to farm-to-table restaurants to specialty stores offering handmade goods crafted by local artisans. In addition to these newer businesses, Cornwall is also home to a number of larger employers including healthcare provider The William W Backus Hospital and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., both located in nearby Norwich.
Overall, Cornwall’s economy is largely supported by its traditional industries such as agriculture and milling as well as newer ventures like tourism and small business development which help keep this rural corner of Connecticut vibrant and prosperous for years to come.
Politics in Cornwall, Connecticut
The politics of Cornwall, Connecticut are largely dominated by the Republican Party which holds a majority of seats in both the local and state legislatures. This has been the case since the town’s incorporation in 1761 and is largely reflective of the state’s overall political leanings. The town is also part of Connecticut’s 1st congressional district which is currently represented by Democrat John B. Larson.
At the local level, Cornwall residents elect a five-member Board of Selectmen to serve as their governing body. These selectmen are responsible for overseeing all aspects of town governance, from approving budgets to setting policy on issues such as education, public safety, and economic development. The selectmen also appoint various department heads including a Town Clerk, a Tax Assessor, a Town Treasurer, and others to oversee day-to-day operations in each respective area.
In addition to its Board of Selectmen, Cornwall also has several other elected offices including a Mayor who presides over all town meetings and serves as an advocate for Cornwall residents on state and national issues; a Town Clerk who is responsible for maintaining records such as birth certificates and marriage licenses; two Tax Collectors; two Constables; three Justices of the Peace; two Registrars of Voters; and four members on its Board of Education who set policy for the town’s schools.
Overall, politics in Cornwall tend to be moderate with both Republicans and Democrats working together to ensure that the town’s best interests are served while still respecting differences in opinion. This collaborative spirit has helped make Cornwall an attractive place to live while ensuring that it remains an integral part of Connecticut’s political landscape.