The History of Harwinton
The history of Harwinton begins in 1732 and became officially incorporated as a town in 1737. Harwinton was first settled on the east-central edge of Litchfield County. The town was formed by the donation of lands from both Hartford and Windsor. This is where it gets its name Har-Win-Ton (Hartford and Windsor Town).
Harwinton was primarily an agricultural community with many of its production industries pertaining to farming (including pitchforks, clocks, bricks, lumber, hats, cutlery, and barrels).
Today, Harwinton maintains a rural hometown atmosphere even while expanding its population growth. It has over 170 acres of open space featuring trails and wildlife observation areas. Its two historic districts feature homes from the 18th century through the 20th century. Harwinton’s annual country fair is one the oldest agricultural fairs in New England.
Harwinton has had many residents and travelers over the centuries (even George Washington). Most notable residents include,
- Collis P. Huntington (one of the greatest railroad builders the country has known)
- Lois Lenski (renowned author and illustrator of children’s and young adult literature)
- Abijah Catlin IV (American Politician)
- Theadore Hungerford (Publisher New York & Chicago)
The Harwinton Signpost
At the intersection of Route 4 and South Road in Harwinton there is a signpost that has been standing for over 200 years.
Originally it provided directions to travelers but also served as a place for the town’s government to post legal notices in a central location.
It began as a simple post, but the sign took on its iconic form between 1844 and 1860 when Lewis Smith, the town’s probate judge, designed it in the form of a box to attach legal notices. These sign-boxes were used throughout the town to inform residents of pending legal matters.
Today, the Harwinton Historical Society currently maintains the sign-box
The Catlin Watering Trough
Similar to today’s gas stations, water troughs served as essential stops for those with horses and other animals in need of “refueling”, especially in Harwinton.
The son of Abijah Catlin , Abijah Jr., operated a store and inn at the crossroads of Route 4 and Harmony Hill Road. Here, in 1780, Catlin served refreshments to George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and General Henry Knox.
In the early 20th century, descendants of Abijah Catlin Sr. placed a much grander trough, made of granite, along Burlington Road to commemorate their ancestor and serve the community. It utilized a nearby spring and gravity to provide passing horses and oxen with a source of drinking water. The trough operated until cars and gas stations rendered it obsolete; prompting the town to move it away from the heavily traveled and winding road for safe keeping. The trough now resides on Bentley Drive.
