Chatham Historical Society · Est. 1767 as Chatham
Preserving
East Hampton History
Discover the stories, legends, and industrial legacy of East Hampton History
Before East Hampton
Before we were East Hampton, our community was incorporated as the historic town of Chatham in 1767.
Discover our early shipbuilding and colonial foundations on our History of Chatham Connecticut page
1739 to 1915
The Story of Our Beginnings
East Hampton’s rich history began when the first large group of settlers emigrated by sea from Eastham, Massachusetts, settling the area in 1739. Originally a part of Middletown, the community grew quickly and was officially incorporated as Chatham Connecticut in 1767, named in honor of the Earl of Chatham in England for his support of the American colonies.
At the time, it included what we now know as East Hampton, Middle Haddam, and Portland. It wasn’t until 1915 that the town officially changed its name to East Hampton—a nod to the ancestral roots many early families held in East Hampton, Long Island.
From its early roots to its transformation into a revolutionary site during the American War, East Hampton has preserved its classic New England small-town charm. Today, visitors can explore our storied past through our local museums, historic landmarks, or a scenic hike along the historic Air Line Trail.
The 19th Century
Why do they call it Belltown USA?
In the 19th century, The Town of East Hampton became the center of the manufacturing of bells. So many bells were made in East Hampton that the town was given the nickname Belltown USA. The first factory was constructed in 1808 by William Barton on Bevin Hill later renamed Barton Hill. During the 1800s, thirty firms were said to have built and run shops, or small factories producing bell and bell related products.
The Most Prominent Names
By the Numbers
East Hampton Stats
East Hampton covers approximately 36 square miles, featuring a population of roughly 13,000 residents and one of Connecticut’s largest inland water bodies, the 512-acre Lake Pocotopaug. Strategically located 22 miles south of the state capital of Hartford and equidistant from Boston and New York City, our town is widely celebrated for its rich history, environmental assets, and classic New England small-town charm.
We actively strive to preserve our rural-suburban character, working landscapes, watershed land, and historic structures by taking a long-term view toward building community and honoring town heritage.
Community & Infrastructure At a Glance
East Hampton is incredibly fortunate to have passionate volunteers, dedicated officials, and hardworking municipal employees who take immense pride in providing services that sustain a quality of life unmatched in New England.
Main Street Early 1900’s
Historic Town Map
Main Street 1800’s
N.N. Hill Company
Belltown Diner
East Hampton Train Station
The Legend Of Pocotopaug
The best-known version of the Legend of East Hampton’s Lake Pocotopaug is deeply rooted in the overwhelming fear that the Indians had of the Great Spirit, Hobomoko. Multiple drownings and devastating illness began to plague the Wangunk Indians causing the strong as well as the weak and the young and old alike to perish. The Indians, who lived on the banks of Lake Pocotopaug, became convinced that the Great God Hobo – moko was angry and was bringing his vengeance upon them. The tribe was haunted with fear and weary from the suffering they had endured.
In desperation, Chief Terramaugus summoned the tribal council to solicit the extent of their willingness to sacrifice to appease the God and gain his favor. The tribal medicine man, Gitchetan, was asked to commune with Hobomoko, solicit the God’s demand and their inevitable fate. Gitchetan learned that the supreme sacrifice of the fairest daughter of the tribe, Na-moenee, daughter of Chief Terramaugus, in the waters of Pocotopaug would put an end to the tribe’s suffering. Chief Terramaugus was stabbed by these words and agonized between his love for his daughter and his du- ty to the tribe. In short time, he proclaimed, “The will of Hobomoko shall be obeyed.” Trained in the sacred customs of her tribe, without self-pity, Namoenee willingly went to her death. Hobomoko was appeased and the curse was lifted. The plague ended and records, lore, or memory do not reveal another Indian drowning in the lake after Namoenee’s death.
When Bell Companies Dominated East Hampton
The bell companies that dominated the economy of East Hampton by making metal bells continued to flourish until the era of the bells used for horses and buggies gave way to the era of automobiles. Two firms continued to flourish into the 1950s by changing from making predominantly metal bells with bell toys being a minor part of their production in the 1800s, to primarily making bell toys. These two firms N. N. Hill Brass Co. and Gong Bell Mfg. Co., survived till the 1960s. The last remaining original operating bell shop, operated by Bevin Brothers, was razed by fire on May 27, 2012, but continues in full operation in a new East Hampton location; some other structures shut down while still structurally intact but remained unavailable for adaptive re-use, due to the presence of toxic substances at levels that resist remediation. Other mills, which were remediated or did not contain toxics, have been converted into offices, stores, and other small businesses.
Annual Community Events
Each year, the Chatham Historical Society brings East Hampton’s history to life. Explore our annual events below to celebrate our local heritage.
Explore East Hampton History
Summer Activities and Historic Landmarks
Comstock Bridge
The Comstock Covered Bridge is located on 14 Bridge Street at the junction of Colchester and East Hampton crossing the Salmon River.
Lake Pocotopaug
Lake Pocotopaug is a big part of East Hampton’s History and in recent times has become a popular resort area surrounded by numerous homes
Air Line Trail
The Old Air Line Trail in East Hampton dates from the 1870s, and today draws walkers, horseback riders and bikers for the views, and relaxation.
Sears Park
Sears Park is situated on Lake Pocotopaug the park was donated to the Town in 1910 by the Sears family. The Park, Pavilion and Willian O’Neill Performing Arts Gazebo are located at 68 North Main Street in East Hampton, Connecticut.
Historic East Hampton Companies
N.N. Brass Hill Factory
The success of N.N. Hill Brass Company was largely based upon Norman Hill’s innovation of stamping bells
Bevin Bell Factory
Bevin Bells was founded by brothers William Bevin, Chauncey Bevin, and Abner Bevin in 1832.
American Distilling
American Distilling dates back to the 1800’s, becoming the cornerstone of Witch Hazel in Americana.