West Redding in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Redding
Photographed By Michael Herrick, January 20, 2010
1. Redding Marker
Inscription.
Redding. . Originally part of Fairfield and unclaimed land, Redding was settled about 1711, made a parish in 1729, and incorporated in 1767. It was named for John Read, gentleman, lawyer, early landowner, and spokesman for the settlers. One of his land purchases was from the Mohawk Indian sachem Chickens in 1714. In 1777, during the Revolutionary war, General Tryon led British troops over Redding Ridge on their way to burn Danbury. The right wing of the Continental Army under General Israel Putnam encamped here in the winter of 1778-1779. Putnam Memorial Park marks the only remaining preserved campsite. A wire mill founded by native-born Benjamin Gilbert in 1818 is the Town’s only industry. The library was founded by Mark Twain, famous American writer and humorist, who lived here 1908-1910. The high school is named for Joel Barlow, born 1754, poet, patriot, and statesman. Collis P. Huntington State Park was a gift of Archer and Anne Hyatt Huntington, philanthropists and long-time residents here.
Originally part of Fairfield and unclaimed land, Redding was settled about 1711, made a parish in 1729, and incorporated in 1767. It was named for John Read, gentleman, lawyer, early landowner, and spokesman for the settlers. One of his land purchases was from the Mohawk Indian sachem Chickens in 1714. In 1777, during the Revolutionary war, General Tryon led British troops over Redding Ridge on their way to burn Danbury. The right wing of the Continental Army under General Israel Putnam encamped here in the winter of 1778-1779. Putnam Memorial Park marks the only remaining preserved campsite. A wire mill founded by native-born Benjamin Gilbert in 1818 is the Town’s only industry. The library was founded by Mark Twain, famous American writer and humorist, who lived here 1908-1910. The high school is named for Joel Barlow, born 1754, poet, patriot, and statesman. Collis P. Huntington State Park was a gift of Archer and Anne Hyatt Huntington, philanthropists and long-time residents here.
Erected 1980 by the Town of Redding, the Redding Historical Society, and the Connecticut Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1711.
Location. 41° 18.351′
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N, 73° 22.907′ W. Marker is in Redding, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. It is in West Redding. Marker is at the intersection of Lonetown Road (Connecticut Route 107) and Hill Road, on the left when traveling south on Lonetown Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Redding CT 06896, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . History of Redding. (Submitted on January 24, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, January 20, 2010
2. Redding Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,071 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
