Riverton in Barkhamsted in Northwest Hills Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village
A Connecticut State Archaeological Preserve
Photographed by Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
1. Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Marker
James and Molly had eight children, seven of whom lived to adulthood, six of whom married and had children of their own, who also remained here as the village grew.
People of African and European origin, as well as Native Americans, moved into what became a thriving multiethnic and multicultural village here on the side of Ragged Mountain in Barkhamsted.
Til Ellwell, born in 1849, was James and Mollys great, great granddaughter. She lived in the village until the mid-1850s.
The Barkhamsted town clerk recorded the birth of a baby girl on May 14, 1858. Her place of residence was listed as Barkhamsted Light House.
Erected by Barkhamsted Historical Society and Farmington River Coordinating Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 41° 56.559′ N, 73° 0.438′ W. Marker is in Barkhamsted in Northwest Hills Region, Connecticut. It is in Riverton. It is on East River Road 1.7 miles south of Route 20, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located at the trailhead for the Lighthouse and Jessie Girard Trails. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Barkhamsted CT 06063, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Connecticut’s Berkshire Foothills and in the Litchfield Hills. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Litchfield County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peoples State Forest (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed by Alan M. Perrie, April 10, 2016
2. View south from Ragged Mountain to the Tunxis River and New Hartford.
More about this marker. The Lighthouse Trail is a 0.3 mile loop off the Jessie Girard Trail.
Regarding Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village.
The trail became a winding road, leading past an Indian village... and when the stage came through the night, past the Indian cabins...
Nightly came the stage a-creaking on its journey to New Hartford.....Theres the Light House! cried the driver, Five more miles to reach New Hartford!.... Lighthouse for the stage coach traffic....
Thus was named the ancient village....by the winding Tunxis River.
From The Legend of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse, by Lewis
Photographed by Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
3. Walk Back in Time
The Cemetery where James, Molly, and some of their descendants are buried.
A Cellar Hole, one of a dozen or so excavated at the site by archaeologists.
The Stone Quarry where village residents sculpted foundation stones.
The Grind Stone in which village residents likely ground corn into meal.
Charcoal Kilns where fuel was produced for the iron forges of Litchfield County.
Also see . . .
1. Barkhamsted Lighthouse. (Submitted on March 27, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
2. Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village. (Submitted on March 27, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,482 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?
