Like many small towns in Connecticut, Southington, CT has a detailed and fascinating history. Southington history officially begins in the year 1779 when the town was incorporated. However, its origins go back to a settler named Samuel Woodruff. Woodruff was the area’s first white settler and he came from Farmington to Panthorne. As his success grew, the area developed into a larger town and eventually became known as South Farmington, or Southington for short.

The history of Southington continued as this farmland grew into a thriving community. Before long, taverns, lodges and stores were being constructed. By 1767, there were already mills, foundries and factories in place. In fact, there was already work going on in Southington before the Industrial Revolution began. In addition to industrial progress, Southington also has an important military history. This town welcomed important Revolutionary soldiers like Washington, Lafayette, and Count Rochambeau.

The Marion section of the town is also a part of Southington, CT history. It was once the site of Count Rochambeau, and his French troops. Their travels explain why there is a French Hill area to this day. The town also played a part in World War II. It was chosen by the federal government for inclusion in a “defense booklet” detailing the town’s (and thus, the country’s) human side. Photographers shot pictures of residents at work, at church and enjoying free time in their homes. This booklet was intended to show foreign nations (both enemies and foes) that real people inhabit America and that they have traditional values. These booklets were actually dropped by military airplanes over Europe in WWII years.

The Annual Apple Harvest Festival is another short bit of history, it being a festival continued every year since 1969. Without question, Southington, CT is a microcosm of America. The people know it, the government knows it, and thanks to the U.S. government’s efforts, now a generation of people overseas has heard of its beautiful community.