Town of Barkhamsted

Facts about Barkhamsted

Town/City established:

• Settled in mid-1700s and Incorporated in 1779.

Named from:

• Though many theories abound, Barkhamsted was most likely named for Berkhamsted, England, from which some of the town's earliest settlers emigrated. The name is derived from borough, which means both mountain and hill, ham, meaning town (as in hamlet) and sted, which simply means place.

County:

• Litchfield

Notable citizens (past and present):

• Lambert Hitchcock. Founder of the Hitchcock Chair Company.
• John Brown. An American abolitionist, spent much of his youth in the Pleasant Valley section of town.

Top Five Attractions:

• Saville Dam, Barkhamsted Reservoir.
• Lake McDonough; major recreation area with swimming, boating fishing, hiking and picnicking.
• American Legion/People's State Forest; historical and cultural site, hiking, access to the Farmington River, fishing, canoeing and camping.
• Farmington River; designated as a wild and scenic river offers renowned trout fishing spots.
• Squire's Tavern; an early 18th-century structure that houses the Barkhamsted Historical Society.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

• Fourth of July Parade.
• Riverton Fair; old-fashioned country fair held on Columbus Day weekend.
• Christmas in Riverton; includes a Friday evening wine walk and family events, a production of the A Christmas Carol, held the first weekend in December.

Quality of the town/city:

• A pocket of natural serenity tucked into the hills of southern Litchfield County with the wild and scenic West Branch of the Farmington River running through it. Barkhamsted is dotted with gleaming reservoirs and lakes offering sparkling respite to those passing by as well as public beaches, state forests, campsites and open areas near the river for gatherings, and numerous historical sites. A place out of time, Barkhamsted even has a drive-in theater in Pleasant Valley.