Riverton in Barkhamsted in Litchfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Peoples State Forest
was given by the Connecticut
Daughters of the American Revolution
1929
Near this spot was the
site of an Indian Village
Erected 1929 by Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 41° 56.549′ N, 73° 0.433′ W. Marker is in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. It is in Riverton. Marker is on East River Road, 1.7 miles south of Connecticut Route 20, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Barkhamsted CT 06063, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village (a few steps from this marker); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Cellar Holes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Grind Stone (about 300 feet away); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Stone Quarry (about 300 feet away); Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Charcoal Kilns (about 300 feet away); Camp White (approx. ¼ mile away); Henry Robinson Buck (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barkhamsted.
Regarding Peoples State Forest. Peoples State Forest was established in 1924. Private individuals and citizen groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and Connecticut Federation of Women’s Clubs purchased the land by subscription and collectively donated it to the state to be used as a “forest for the People”
James Chaugham (a Native American of the Narraganset Tribe) and his wife Molly (of European descent)
lived in a village near this marker for 50 years. It became Peoples State Forest. People of African and European origin, as well as Native Americans, moved into what became a thriving multi-ethnic and multicultural village. The Chaugham descendants remained until the village was abandoned in 1860.
The name “Barkhamsted Lighthouse” comes from the light from the home fires that could be seen from the nearby stagecoach line. It was a good place to stop since the horses could be watered and the passengers could rest. It became a local landmark.
Also see . . .
1. Peoples State Forest. Connecticut website entry (Submitted on April 12, 2016, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
2. Barkhamsted Lighthouse. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on September 30, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. “Outcasts” Build Their Own Village in 18th-Century Barkhamsted. Connecticut History website entry (Submitted on April 12, 2016, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2016, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 552 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 12, 2016, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.