Within a 20-25 foot span, the Town of Goshen honors its veterans spanning the decades and centuries…read morefrom the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War. Located on a patch of lawn near Goshen Town Hall, you will find five monuments, one for World War I, one for the French and Indian War & Revolutionary War, one for World War II, one for the Civil War, and one for the Korean War and Vietnam War. That's over 200 years of service by Goshen's veterans, going back to a time before there even was a United States.

It a town in New England doesn't have a small green area with monuments to those lost and served in…read morebattle since the Revolutionary War, are they really IN New England? This is a very well-kept collection of monuments on the town hall property; parking is available in the town hall lot. Should other people be there, they may be looking at the names of relatives, as Goshen is a town where you're just visiting until three generations have lived there, so be respectful.

I don't know that I've ever crossed the Housatonic River before. It is separate from the…read moreConnecticut River and flows about 150 miles from western Massachusetts through Connecticut and empties into the Long Island Sound. The river has FIVE dams along the way but I did not have a chance to visit them. This bridge is a metal 13-panel rivet-connected through truss with just the one main span. The roadway is 30 feet wide with 15.4 feet of clearance above the deck. There is no pedestrian or breakdown lane. The bridge was built in 1953 and is typical of the bridges built in the state during that period. It was easy to cross today despite the light rain. [Review 18397 overall - 63 in Connecticut - 1919 of 2022.]

This blue historic marker stands proudly in front of the Kent Memorial Library near the Suffield…read moreHistoric District. It is in decent shape and there is parking in the bank shopping center if you're nearby. The marker points out the founding of the town and some early history on one side and a list of famous Suffieldians on the other. On the front, "Suffield. In 1670 through a grant to John Pynchon, Suffield, formerly Southfield, originated as a township of Massachusetts because of a surveying error. Mindwell Old, the first child, was born in 1674, the year the town was incorporated. The town meeting has been the single form of government since 1682. By 1704 a church and a school had been built on the common. In 1749 Suffield became part of Connecticut, The American cigar industry was started here by Simeon Viets in 1810, and tobacco continues to be major crop. Early emigrants went to Vermont and Ohio, where several were elected to high offices. The Connecticut Baptist Literary Institution of I833 is now Suffield Academy. The school and the town have produced many leaders in religion, education, politics, insurance, agriculture, and business as well as the arts. In 1976, the Bicentennial year. Suffield has 9700 residents and 43.I square miles." On the reverse, "Suffield. These are among the many of Suffield who have given of themselves for others. PHINEHAS LYMAN 1716-1774, Commander of colonial troops 1754-1760 EBENEZER GAY 1718-1796, Congregational Church Pastor 1742-1793 TIMOTHY SWAN 1758-1843, Composer of sacred music, including "China" SETH PEASE 1764-1819, Surveyor of the Connecticut Western Reserve GIDEON GRANGER. JR. 1767-1822, United States Postmaster General 1801-1814 ASAHEL MORSE 1772-1838, Author of religious freedom in Connecticut SYLVESTER GRAHAM 1794-1851, Inventor of graham crackers and bread HENRY SYKES 1810-1860, Architect and builder WILLIS ADAMS 1844-1921, Painter of American landscapes OLIN WARNER 1844-1896, Artist sculptor Erected by the Town of Suffield the American Bicentennial Commission of Suffield and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1976." And yes, I do like Graham crackers. Henry Sikes designed the Second Baptist Church in 1840 (still in use) and several buildings at Amherst College. I'm sure I've seen Willis Adams' work in museums in my travels https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Seaver_Adams. [Review 15194 overall, 696 of 2021, number 44 in Connecticut.]

Graham Crackers. If…read moreyou love graham crackers, you can thank Suffield. (Keep reading) This is a 2-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background, It's located in a strip of grass on Route 75 in front of a bank. It tells us that Suffield was not only first named Southfield, but it was originally a part of Massachusetts due to some shoddy surveying back in the day, way back in 1670. The town was incorporated in 1674, the same year that the town's first baby was born -the baby had the awesome name of Mindwell Old. The plaque says that the American cigar industry was started here, and to this day tobacco remains an important local crop, Over the years, Suffield has "produced many leaders in religion, education, politics, insurance, agriculture, business, as well as the arts". The reverse of the plaque lists some of the most accomplished Sons of Suffield who benefited the country. One of the more amazing names I saw was Sylvester Graham (1794-1851). He is listed as "inventor of graham crackers and bread".

Town Bridge is located in Canton, CT and is a historic one lane truss bridge, built in 1895. The…read moreroad is called Town Bridge Road and it goes over the Farmington River. This pin connected Parker truss bridge is one of two left in the state of Connecticut. There were about 100 built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company; the company was known for building iron bridges at that time. Prior to this bridge being built, a wooden bridge was in its place. The price to build it was $8,500 in 1895. Also at that time, there were only 300 automobiles in the United States. Aside from automobiles, horses and wagons would frequently cross it. Town of Canton had approximately 2,500 residents and 4 automobiles. The bridge is located in a rural neighborhood. During its life span, it has been through hurricanes, snowstorms, and floods. In modern times, it was removed via crane in 2019 for major rehabilitation and reinforcement. After it was painted, it was placed back via a crane in late 2021. After touch ups and paving, there was a ribbon cutting; people with antique automobiles were the first to drive across the newly rehabbed bridge. In the end, this historic bridge is well loved by the community and has served its purposes for over a century; after some setbacks, it seems it will continue to serve its purpose for future generations. I think this landmark is a rare New England gem and a symbol of resilience.

This review is of my visit on a Saturday when the inside of the building was closed and so, I only…read moregot to see the whole of the outside of the Capitol building. I was very impressed by the architecture of this building. It's design and décor were interesting and unique compared to the other standard Capitol buildings design that I have seen elsewhere within the continental U.S. This Capitol Building is adjacent to Bushnell Memorial Park and Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch. It has a beautiful gold leaf dome and its façade is made of New England marble and granite. From my online research on this building, I came to learn that this building's architecture is of Second Empire & Renaissance Revival kind on the outside and High Victorian Gothic on the inside. The weather on the day of my visit was not good, so my photos may not necessarily reflect how impressive this building looks (I haven't edited them) but I bet on a beautiful sunny day, the photos would make this Capitol building look even more wonderful. This is definitely a place to visit for sightseeing activities when in Hartford.

Another beautifully appointed State House. Although it isn't my favorite, it was very interesting…read moreto explore. Visitor parking onsite and a few guides for a self-guided tour. We had just missed the guided tour, but sometimes I like to wander on my own anyhow. The senate and house meeting rooms were both quite lovely. I loved the antique water dispenser, which was just beautifully crafted. I learned that this was for the horses. You filled your bucket and took it outside for them. The carvings and statues were very opulent and ornate. There was one that was labeled to be one of the oldest, preserved from the Cival War. It is so fun to compare and contrast various state capitols buildings. They all have an interesting history and a unique flair of their very own.

Connecticut's Old State House is a historic government building and museum that was built in…read moreHartford, Connecticut in 1796. It was designed by New England architect Charles Bullfinch. Housing all three branches of the Connecticut state government, the Old State House was built to replace an earlier State House that had been built at the same site in 1720 and was damaged in a fire. Some of Connecticut's most important stories of freedom, democracy, and civic action, from the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials, to the landmark Constitutional Convention of 1814, took place here. Since 1701, Hartford had served as co-capital of the state along with the southern Connecticut city of New Haven (which had its own State House). Following a vote in 1875, Hartford was declared the sole capital of Connecticut. A new Connecticut State Capitol building was completed in 1878, and the Old State Houses in Hartford and New Haven were closed. The New Haven building was eventually demolished, but Hartford's building was repurposed as the Hartford City Hall until 1915. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and reopened as a museum in 1996 following a major restoration. Over the years, the building has developed a haunted reputation and was even featured on an episode of the Sci Fi Channel TV series "Ghost Hunters". I have visited the Old State House a number of times since it first reopened as a museum in 1996. My most recent visit was this past summer when I took my older son with me. We started on the basement level of the building. There's an exhibit dedicated to the history of Connecticut, however most of the artifacts are specifically connected to Hartford. Highlights for us included an old-fashioned Hartford fire engine and some penny-farthings (old-fashioned bicycles). We then moved up to the upper floors which are dedicated to the history of Connecticut's government. Both the Senate and City Council chambers have been beautifully restored. My son really enjoyed learning about voting with some help from an old-fashioned voting machine; anyone my age will remember these. Our favorite room was on the third floor: the Joseph Steward Museum of Curiosities. Originally opened in 1797 by local painter Joseph Steward, this small attic museum is full of all sorts of "natural and artificial curiosities", including a two-headed calf, a two-headed piglet, and an 8 1/2-foot alligator. If you're interested in the history of Connecticut, government, or strange and unusual things, then head to Connecticut's Old State House.

This historic structure was built in 1796 and located in Hartford, CT. It was the meeting place of…read moreall three branches of the state government from 1796 to 1878. Now, it is managed by the Office of Legislative Management of the Connecticut General Assembly. A new Capitol building was built near Bushnell Park because of the open space; this is why it is deemed the Old State House. Currently, it is a history museum. There is another museum on the third floor called the Museum of Natural and Other Curiousities. There are historic rooms and exhibits within the building. Tours can be purchased, check the website for details. I look forward to going back for a tour. They also have a number of events. There was a holiday shopping event on the Saturday (12/7/24) we went. The building is small compared to other states capitols I've seen, but it was magnificent nonetheless. There is a large lawn in front. There were some plaques in front of the building with some historic information. If you like history, I recommend a visit either by walking around the property or doing the paid tour.

The tiny town of Warren, CT sent 43 men to fight in the Revolutionary War. It was named after…read moreGeneral Warren, a hero of that war who was slain at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Warren Historical Marker spotlights that connection to America's War for Independence and the value the town placed on education and the world of academia. It's a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission with the familiar white lettering on a blue background. You'll see it on a grassy stretch of land more or less across the street from Town Hall. The sign dates to 1980, and its condition shows some signs of wear and tear -staining, fading, and peeling, especially on the front side. Side two is in pretty good condition. The full inscription reads: This area was settled in 1737 as part of the Town of Kent. A separate ecclesiastical society called the Society of East Greenwich, established in 1750, led to the founding of a church in 1756 and a separate town in 1786. It was named in honor of General Joseph Warren, hero of the Revolutionary War, who was slain in the battle of Bunker Hill. In the first century and a half of its life, Warren not only sent forty-three of its men into that war but later, even though engaged mainly in farming, the Town became known as an educational center. Five private schools and academies produced fifteen ministers and educators. Among them were Charles G. Finney, revivalist and president of Oberlin College 1851-1866, and Julian M. Sturtevant, minister and president of Illinois College 1844-1876. During a half century commencing in 1772, more than 2837 Warren emigrants took part in settling new territories to the north and west. The population of the town had increased to approximately 1100 by the year 1810 but decreased to a low of 303 in 1930 with the decline of agriculture and the local iron industry. Subsequent regrowth to 990 by 1979 was based on residential development and recreational features including Lake Waramaug, several inns, and a state park and forest. In 1963 Warren resident Eric Sloane, well-known American artist and author, revived countrywide the custom of celebrating our nation's independence by the simultaneous ringing of bells on July 4th. The focal point of the revival was the bell in the steeple of the Warren Congregational Church. The old one-room brick schoolhouse, built in 1784, was in continuous use for 140 years. In 1968 it was presented to the Town by Frank Reinhold. The Brick School and the Warren Academy have been restored and furnished with authentic articles of an earlier time, and are open by appointment for public visitation. Erected by the Town of Warren the Warren Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1980

It's technically the Wood Memorial Library & Museum. Impressive collections of Native American…read moreartifacts, taxidermy collections of local birds, artwork, and early American furniture by accomplished artists and craftsmen. Wish they were open more than two days a week! Mondays 11-5pm, Thursdays 10-4pm. The Wood makes the CT River Valley proud!

Every year in early December the library has a Gingerbread House Festival with approximately 150…read morehouses on display, open to the public. Raffle tickets are sold for the houses and or scenes created as well as other items donated by local stores and businesses. The museum uses this as one of several fund raising events throughout the year. At the close of the event, raffle winners can pick up their items in plenty of time to feature them at home as part of their Christimas seasonal decorations. 2024 is the 14th year of this tradition; it is well worth a perusal as the quality of the displays are exceptional. Stop by and make this an annual Christmas event for you and your family.