Incorporated in 1767

The first large group of settlers emigrated by sea to East Hampton in 1739 from Eastham, Massachusetts.

East Hampton was first settled in 1639, and was officially incorporated in 1767. The town’s name is derived from its location on the east bank of the Connecticut River. East Hampton has a long and storied history, and has played an important role in the development of the state of Connecticut.During the American Revolutionary War, East Hampton was the site of several battles, including the Battle of Hartford Heights. In the 19th century, the town became known for its thriving shipbuilding industry, and many of the town’s historic buildings date back to this period. Today, East Hampton is a picturesque New England town with a small-town feel. Despite its relatively small size, East Hampton is home to a number of historical sites and cultural attractions. Visitors to East Hampton can explore the town’s many Museums and Historic Landmarks, or enjoy its scenic hiking trails on the Air Line Trail and parks.

Did you know East Hampton was originally named Chatham?

In 1767, the town was incorporated as Chatham Connecticut in honor of the Earl of Chatham in England for his support of the American colonies at that time and was originally part of Middletown.

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. Chatham, CT was officially given the name East Hampton in the year 1915, which is said to have been selected by the first settlers who had previously lived in Eastham, Mass.

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 nick name 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 include William Barton, Bevin Bell, The N. N.  Brass, The East Hampton Bell Company, Watrous Manufacturing, and Gong Bell Manufacturing.

East Hampton Stats

East Hampton covers approximately 36 square miles with one of Connecticut’s largest inland water bodies, Lake Pocotopaug. State parks and forests surround us on our northern, southern and western borders. We also are home to Connecticut’s last true covered bridge, the Comstock Covered Bridge, which crosses the Salmon River. In East Hampton you will find a community that supports a rural/suburban lifestyle that is family oriented. Our town offers a quality school system, two history museums, local parks with varied recreational programming for all ages, and dedicated public safety agencies.

 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.

250 Year Anniversary Logo

East Hampton is located 22 miles south of the state capital of Hartford and is equidistant from Boston and New York City. Our Town is known for its rich history, environmental assets, and small town charm. We strive to preserve our rural-suburban character, our farmlands, watershed land, and historic structures by taking a long-term view. Enriching quality of life, respecting Town heritage, and building community are among our highest priorities

Our Town covers approximately 36 square miles, with a population of approximately 13,000 residents, with one of Connecticut’s largest inland water bodies, Lake Pocotopaug at 512 acres. State parks and forests surround us on our northern, southern and western borders, along with the famous Comstock Covered Bridge across the Salmon River.

In East Hampton you will find a community that supports a rural/suburban lifestyle that is family oriented supported by a quality school system, two public libraries, two history museums, local parks with varied recreational programming for all ages, and professional public safety agencies. Our Public Works Department maintains over 100 miles of local roads, six miles of sidewalks, seven cemeteries and numerous drainage structures.

East Hampton is very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers, officials, and employees who take great pride in the Town and the services we provide to sustain a quality of life that we feel is unmatched in New England.

Historic Companies

American Distilling

American Distilling dates back to the 1800’s, becoming the cornerstone of  Witch Hazel in Americana.

Useful Town Links

Chatham Health District

CHD Website