| Milford
Town History
February
1, 1639, is the date the area then known as "Wepawaug"
was purchased from Ansantawae, chief sachem of the Paugusset Tribe.
Settlers began arriving shortly thereafter and began to build the
town known as Milford. Townspeople played a part in the development
of the United States. Adventurers from Milford reached out and founded
several other communities and explored afar.
Buried treasure is said to exist on a small island the Indians called
"Poquahaug", just a mile off Silver Sands Beach. It is
a recognized fact that Captain Kidd and other pirates sailed and
hid along the Connecticut coast. It’s no wonder that iron chests
filled with "loot" are rumored to be buried on the land
called Charles Island!
Three
governors of Connecticut called Milford their home. Fort Trumbull
was built to provide protection in the late 1700s during the Revolutionary
War. Yes, George Washington slept here! During the Civil War, Milford
was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Although primarily agrarian,
shipbuilding, oystering, small industry and trade on the open seas
from the harbor were part of the local economy. The early 1900's
brought the leather industry along with the making of boots, hats
and shoes.
After
World War II, the population 
swelled as GIs returned from the war and bought houses in the suburb
of New Haven and Bridgeport called Milford. Industry also developed
to support the war effort. Norden, Milford Rivet, U.S. Motors, and
Edgecomb Steel were some of the familiar names of the time. Other
industry followed, most notably the consumer giants of Bic and Schick.
Then the completion of I-95 in 1960, with its 7 exits and entrances
brought easy access. The Connecticut Post Shopping Center and other
development followed rapidly. Development reached a peak in the
70s and 80s, leveled off in the early 90s and then picked up again
in the late 90s until we reached our present population of over
50,000 and businesses that number over 2,000.
The
Milford Historical Society (For More Information contact them
at (203) 874-2664) safeguards three 18th century homes at its Wharf
Lane Complex. Among their possessions is one of the finest collections
of Native American artifacts.
Our
thanks to Richard Platt, Town Historian.
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