History of Chatham Connecticut
Preserving the legacy of Chatham, Middle Haddam, and Belltown, USA since 1963The Early Settlers of East Hampton (1710)
East Hampton, CT was first settled in 1710, when Gideon Goffe and his family located in an area along the Connecticut River, which later became established as the historic parish of Middle Haddam, CT. Over time, families from this river settlement moved eastward to establish homes in the scenic hills surrounding Lake Pocotopaug—a region originally inhabited by the indigenous Wangunk tribe.
In 1767, the town was officially incorporated as Chatham in honor of William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, recognizing his staunch support of the American colonies in British Parliament.
While the name “East Hampton” is deeply rooted in local history, it often causes confusion. The town sits roughly 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Hampton, Connecticut, and is frequently confused with East Haddam, which was established earlier in 1734.
Originally Part of Middletown & The Incorporation of Chatham
Chatham was originally a part of Middletown, CT and at the time of its incorporation, by the General Assembly, in 1767, it included in its bounds all of what had been previously known under the names of the parishes of East Middletown, most of the parish of Middle Haddam, all of East Hampton parish, and a part of the parish of Westchester. The parish of East Middletown was set off from Chatham as a separate town in 1842, comprising the present town of Portland. By referring to the topographical atlas issued by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, it will be noticed that the surface of this town is very uneven, and in its northern part the hills assume the proportions of small mountains, with an altitude of nearly 800 feet above the sea level, Meshomasic Mountain, and Great Hill, Clark’s Hill, Bald Hill, Chestnut Hill, and Bakers Hill being the most prominent. Of the lesser may be mentioned Miller’s, Bishop’s and Barton Hills. Nestling between, and occupying partially the latter three, lies the busy, thrifty belltown, known all over the world as East Hampton, where are now made about every pattern of bells which Yankee ingenuity has been able to devise a pattern for, besides an endless variety of toys.
in the south-west part of the town, abutting on the Connecticut River, is the equally interesting and picturesque village of Middle Haddam, which was formerly a prominent point for building every kind of wooden sailing craft, ships, steamboats, brigs, schooners, sloops and barges and all of smaller si
How Chatham Became East Hampton in 1915
Settlers were attracted to Chatham CT by Lake Pocotopaug, where a forge had been erected in 1743.
In 1841, the East Middletown parish, which had been a part of Chatham, separated and became a new township called Conway (later renamed to Portland).
Chatham Connecticut was given the name East Hampton in the year 1915, which is said to have been selected by some of Chatham’s first settlers who had previously lived in Eastham, Ma.
Continue your journey and explore:
The 20th Century History of East Hampton CT
Historic Chatham in Photos
Postmasters
Chatham, CT
Chatham Summit Mills
Chatham, CT
Chatham Stores
Chatham, CT
Main Street, Chatham CT
Chatham, CT
Built on Innovation: Notable Companies of Chatham, CT
N.N. Brass Hill Factory
The success of N.N. Hill Brass Company was largely based upon bells from sheet metal
Bevin Bell Factory
Established in 1832, Bevin Bell is the last original manufacturer of bells in the United States
Gong Bell Factory
As far back as 1866, Gong Bell began producing bells and toys in the Town of East Hampton
American Distilling
American Distilling dates back to the 1800’s, is the cornerstone of the Witch Hazel industry
Frequently Asked Questions About Chatham’s History
Why was the town originally named Chatham?
When the town was incorporated in 1767, it was named in honor of William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, to recognize his staunch support of the American colonies in the British Parliament. The name also paid tribute to Chatham, England, celebrating the thriving shipbuilding and maritime industries that both communities shared.
Why was Chatham renamed to East Hampton?
In October 1915, residents voted at a town meeting to officially rename the township East Hampton. This change formally embraced the identity of the historic “Easthampton parish” (established near Lake Pocotopaug in the 1740s by settlers from Eastham, MA) and resolved long-standing geographic confusion with other Connecticut towns.
When was Chatham originally incorporated?
The Town of Chatham was officially incorporated by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1767. It was named in honor of William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, for his defense of the American colonies in British Parliament.
What historic areas were originally part of Chatham, CT
Originally part of East Middletown, Chatham’s historic boundaries once encompassed modern-day East Hampton, the bustling river port of Middle Haddam, Cobalt, and the town of Portland (which officially split off as its own town in 1841).
The Chatham Historical Society
Welcome to the Official East Hampton, CT Historical Society Website. This website intends to provide historical information about the History of Cobalt, Middle Haddam, and East Hampton, Connecticut.
