Branford Center in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Millstone
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 15, 2024
1. Millstone Marker
Here, overlooking the tidal river, where they might worship God in their own way, English Puritans from Wethersfield in A.D. 1644 erected the first "foursquare," rough-hewn log meeting house of the First Congregational Church in Branford, then called Totokett.
"O God, beneath thy guiding hand Our exiled fathers crossed the sea, And when they trod the wintery strand With prayer and psalm they worshipped thee." -Leonard Bacon
This millstone which ground flour for the daily bread of the founders of this church and community, was placed here in respect for their staunch faith and courageous pioneering by the First Ecclesiastical Society of the Town of Branford, A.D. 1964.
Erected 1964 by First Ecclesiastical Society of the Town of Branford.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1644.
Location. 41° 16.848′ N, 72° 48.469′ W. Marker is in Branford in South Central Region, Connecticut. It is in Branford Center. It is at the intersection of Montowese Street and S Main Street, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley, on the Connecticut Shoreline, and in Greater New Haven. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Isaac C. Moses (a few steps from this marker); Meeting of Ministers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cenotaph (about 600 feet away); Branford Soldiers Monument (about 800 feet away); Branford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Branford Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Founding of Yale College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cambridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all
Photographed by Conrad Ward, March 15, 2024
2. Millstone Marker in Branford Center Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 16, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 164 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 16, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
