Town of Wilton

Facts about Wilton

Town/City established:

• Incorporated in 1802.

Named from:

• This town was named from Wiltshire in England.

County: 

• Fairfield County.

Notable citizens (past and present):

• Linda Blair, actress.
• Dave Brubeck, jazz musician.
• David Canary, actor.
• Matt Davies, Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist.
• Abby Elliott, actor/comedian.
• Chris Elliott, actor/comedian.
• Charles Grodin, actor.
• Johnny Gruelle, artist who created Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.
• Daryl Hawk, documentary photographer, explorer.
• Patty Hearst, now known as Patricia Hearst-Shaw, heiress and actress.
• Kristine Lilly, United States Olympic Soccer Team player, holds the world record for most professional soccer match appearances in history.
• Jay Manuel, America’s Next Top Model director of photoshoots.
• Joe Pantoliano, actor.
• Donald Verrilli Jr., Former Solicitor General of the United States
• Christopher Walken, actor.

Top Five Attractions:

• Cannondale Village Shopping Center.
• Woodcock Nature Center.
• Weir Farm National Historic Site.
• G&B Cultural Center.
• Wilton Playshop.

Annual Visitor’s Events:

• Memorial Day Parade, May.
• Wilton Farmers Market, June-October.
• Wilton Library Summer Music & More Concert Series, June-July.
• Wilton 4th of July Celebration
• Wilton Street Fair/Sidewalk Sale, July.
• Wilton Summer Concert Series, July-August.
• Wilton Food Truck Festival, August.
• Cannondale Village Summer Craft Show, August.
• Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair, August.
• Cannondale Foliage Arts & Craft Fair, September.
• American Artisan Show, November.

Quality of town/city:

• This modern residential town is rich in New England history. Originally, Wilton began as a farming town, and throughout the decades has transformed into a suburban community with 18,000 residents. Its rural atmosphere offers winding back roads, streams, ponds, woods, and rolling hills to enjoy. Weir Farm is the only national historic site in Connecticut, part of the U.S National Park Service. This site spans 60-acres of national parkland in the towns of Wilton and Ridgefield, with a focus on visual arts. Once home to impressionist artist Julian Alden Weir, the historic home and grounds have been maintained for the public to explore. The farm is open daily for tours of the gardens, homes museum. Weir Farm also offers a walking trail to Weir Pond, Junior Ranger programs for kids, and Take Part in Art; grab a set of art supplies and paint alongside professional artists.