Riverton in Barkhamsted in Litchfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Riverton
Farmington River: Wild & Scenic
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
1. Riverton Marker
Inscription.
Riverton. Farmington River: Wild and Scenic.
In this Area in the Past..... , . Since the 1820’s Riverton has been a vibrant part of the town of Barkhamsted. Riverton is located at the confluence of the Farmington and Still Rivers, which at one time provided the opportunity for water power sites for early mills and factories. One of Barkhamsted’s most historic spots is the former Hitchcock Chair factory, where Lambert Hitchcock produced his famous chairs starting in the mid-1820s. Many other mills were located here, including sawmills, a grist mill, a scythe shop, a calico factory and a paper mill. Several inns catered to both local residents and passengers on stage coach lines that passed through the village. Since 1909, Riverton Fair has drawn thousands to its midway and exhibits that reflect the agricultural background of the area. , The Eagle Scythe shop was located on what is now the lower part of the Riverton Fairgrounds, opposite the Grange Hall. The scythe shop operated from 1849 to the mid-1880’s. In addition to scythes, other edged tools were produced, including corn knives, hay knives and grass hooks. The business office was housed in the white building. , One mile south of Riverton, on East River Road, there is a bronze marker. According to local legend, James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian, married Molly Barber, an English settler’s daughter. Together they raised a large family on the side of the mountain. The light coming from their cabins guided stage coach drivers down the old Farmington Turnpike, and this became known as The Barkhamsted Lighthouse. The Jesse Gerard Trail, one of many trails in Peoples State Forest, begins near the bronze marker and continues up the mountain; an excellent hike with panoramic views of the river valley.
In this Area in the Past.....
Since the 1820’s Riverton has been a vibrant part of the town of Barkhamsted.
Riverton is located at the confluence of the Farmington and Still Rivers, which
at one time provided the opportunity for water power sites for early mills and
factories. One of Barkhamsted’s most historic spots is the former Hitchcock Chair
factory, where Lambert Hitchcock produced his famous chairs starting in the
mid-1820s. Many other mills were located here, including sawmills, a grist mill,
a scythe shop, a calico factory and a paper mill. Several inns catered to both local
residents and passengers on stage coach lines that passed through the village.
Since 1909, Riverton Fair has drawn thousands to its midway and exhibits that
reflect the agricultural background of the area.
The Eagle Scythe shop was located on what is now the lower part of the Riverton
Fairgrounds, opposite the Grange Hall. The scythe shop operated from 1849 to the
mid-1880’s. In addition to scythes, other edged tools were produced, including corn
knives, hay knives and grass hooks. The business office was housed in the white building.
One mile south of Riverton, on East River Road, there is a bronze marker. According to
local legend, James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian, married Molly
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Barber, an
English settler’s daughter. Together they raised a large family on the side of the mountain.
The light coming from their cabins guided stage coach drivers down the old Farmington
Turnpike, and this became known as The Barkhamsted Lighthouse. The Jesse Gerard
Trail, one of many trails in Peoples State Forest, begins near the bronze marker and
continues up the mountain; an excellent hike with panoramic views of the river valley.
Erected by Farmington River Coordinating Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.
Location. 41° 57.755′ N, 73° 1.078′ W. Marker is in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. It is in Riverton. Marker is at the intersection of Riverton Road (Connecticut Route 20) and School Street, on the right when traveling east on Riverton Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 Riverton Road, Riverton CT 06065, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Riverton (a few steps from this marker); Lambert Hitchcock (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor of Lambert Hitchcock (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Ponds (approx.
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
2. The marker is in the Riverton Historic District
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007
3. Old Riverton Inn. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 21, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
4. Lambert Hitchcock. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on March 21, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
3. Hitchcock Chair factory (NRHP)
Built circa 1820 and located directly north of the marker.
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, March 22, 2016
4. Old Riverton Inn (NRHP)
Built in 1811 and located directly east of the marker.
Photographed By Alan M. Perrie, February 2, 2008
5. Boating on the Farmington River
The Riverton section begins just east of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Alan M. Perrie of Unionville, Connecticut. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
