Town of Hamden

Facts about Hamden

Town/City established:

• Incorporated in 1786.

Named from:

• This town was named from English statesmen John Hampden.

County:

• New Haven County.

Notable citizens (past and present):

• John Carpenter, very first winner of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
• James J. Greco, former CEO and President of Sbarro.
• Bob Heussler, voice of CT Sun and WFAN broadcaster.
• Stephen Malawista, medical researcher, co-discoverer of Lyme disease.
• Robert McVey, hockey player, Gold Medalist in 1960 Olympics.
• Anttaj Hawthorne, former NFL player for the Oakland Raiders.
• Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin.
• Jonathan Quick, NHL goalie, 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup champion for the LA Kings.
• Avery Wilson, 2012 contestant on The Voice.

Top Five Attractions:

• Sleeping Giant State Park.
• Jonathan Dickerman House & Museum.
• Eli Whitney Museum.
• Pardee Rose Gardens.
• Town Center Park.

Annual visitor’s events:

• Fourth of July Fireworks, July.
• National Night Out, August.
• Brooksvale Fall Festival, September.
• Silverbells Celebration, December.

Quality of town/city:

• Hamden has the perfect blend of urban and suburban lifestyles. Known as "The Land of the Sleeping Giant", Hamden offers a wide variety of attractions from state parks to museums. Sleeping Giant State Park, a landscape rich in hills and walking trails, leads visitors on a 1.5-mile hike to the stone observation tower which overlooks Long Island Sound and the New Haven Area. Hamden also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, museums, and gardens for every interest.