Madison, Guilford, Clinton & Branford, Connecticut Real Estate

Tracey Kersteen is your CT Shoreline Real Estate Connection!

Guilford, CT
History

Guilford was originally founded in 1639 by a group of Puritans from the colony of Quinnipiac in England (now known as New Haven).  Their leader, Reverend Henry Whitfield, successfully negotiated with the local Indians to allow the Puritans to use a tract of land just east of Quinnipiac and west of the colony of Saybrook.  At that time the land was known as Menuncatuck, and was later renamed Guilford.  The colonists built log houses with thatched roofs for themselves, and a stone house for Reverend Whitfield, which is now the oldest house in Connecticut and the oldest standing stone house in all of New England.  The 19th century brought an influx of industry to the area including shipbuilding, carriage-making, iron foundries, granite quarries, and food canning.  The arrival of the railroad also boosted commerce in Guilford, and Victorian families were able to venture out of the big cities and come to Guilford for summer vacations and recreation. 

In the 20th century the other Connecticut shoreline towns became even more accessible to the residents of Guilford when the Connecticut Turnpike was completed (now Interstate 95).  Guilford is now known as one of the most attractive towns along the shore, attracting a diverse group of weekend and seasonal visitors each year.

For more information about the culture and history of Guilford, visit the official website:
Official site: http://www.guilfordct.com/

Attractions

Guilford is mostly suburban, and the amenities that can be found here include a skate park, five historic house museums, a scenic marina, and several fine restaurants.  The 22,000 residents here also enjoy a new fire and police station, a 21st century library, and a health center affiliated with Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Events

There are many exciting events that take place here in Guilford every year including the Art Center Craft Expo, the Guilford Fair, the Guilford Rotary Lobster Fest, Lighting of the Tree, and the Shortline Arts Trail.