Norwich, Connecticut
Encyclopedia
Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 20th century. During the Civil War, Norwich once again rallied and saw the growth of its textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing. This was also spurred by the building of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad in 1832-1837 bringing goods and people both in and out of Norwich.
By the 1870s the Springfield and New London Railroad
was also running trains through Norwich.
Norwich served as leadership center for Connecticut during the Civil War. Connecticut Governor William Buckingham, who was from nearby Lebanon, used his Norwich home as a de facto office during the conflict. Also, United States Senator Lafayette Foster later became Acting Vice President after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. During this period, Frances M. Caulkins composed her histories of both Norwich and New London.
Through the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Norwich served as home to many large mills. The population grew and became more diverse with an influx of different ethnic groups. These new residents helped to build the city's schools, churches, and social centers. Today, Norwich is a thriving city with a stable population, wide range of municipal services, a modern industrial park, its own utility company, and a positive outlook for residential and business growth.
(http://www.norwichct.org/content/169/171/default.aspx)
, the city has a total area of 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²), of which 28.3 square miles (73.4 km²) is land and 1.1 square miles (3.0 km²) (3.87%) is water.
of 2000, there were 36,117 people, 15,091 households, and 9,069 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,274.7 people per square mile (492.2/km²). There were 16,600 housing units at an average density of 585.9 per square mile (226.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.14% White, 6.84% Black or African American
, 1.21% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.76% from other races
, and 3.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.11% of the population.
There were 15,091 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples
living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.1% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,181, and the median income for a family was $49,155. Males had a median income of $34,880 versus $26,880 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $20,742. About 8.3% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
This forested area is Norwich's largest park. The park's property contains numerous hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, grills, pavilions for rent, a beach, basketball courts, a Mohegan monument, fountain and playgrounds. The Rose Garden at the entrance on Judd Road contains over a hundred varieties of roses and is a popular site for weddings. Many of the hiking trails are used by the Norwich Free Academy cross country team for practices, and in 2006 the team volunteered to improve the condition of trails. 5K "fun runs" are held in the park on Thursdays during the summer. As of 2009, the running course has been redesigned to incorporate much of the trails.
The Park Center contains Spaulding Pond, the square, fountain and Mohegan monument, both playgrounds and a dog pound run by the Norwich Police Department. The Park Center has declined somewhat. The zoo, reptile house, and concession stand have been closed for over a decade. However, much has been done to improve the appearance of the remaining park.
Spaulding Pond, the main body of water in Mohegan Park, is held back by an earthworks dam, across which is a path bordered by pergulas and flowering plants. In 1963, a crack in this dam caused the waters of Spaulding Pond to burst forth into the city, causing the Great Flood of Norwich that swamped houses, streets, cars and collapsed a mill, causing several deaths. Mohegan Park also contains another pond, called The Skating Pond, in the southwest corner. This pond has been pressed into reservoir service and is no longer open to public use.
Because of its ample, sprawling trails and variety of flora and fauna, Mohegan Park is a lesser-known destination for Southeastern Connecticut's nature photographers.
, Bean Hill
, Yantic, Taftville
, Greeneville
, Occum, East Great Plains, Thamesville, Laurel Hill and Chelsea
(the original "downtown" area.)
, an alternative to the area of public schools.
The Norwich Free Academy
is the primary high school
for students living in Norwich and several surrounding towns.
Norwich Free Academy is a public school that is often described as an "independent school." The school receives money from state, federal, and private sources, and is not controlled by any of the municipalities that it serves. The school is governed by an independent board.
Sidney Frank
donated $13 million to the school which resulted in the campus' newest building to be named after him: the Sidney E. Frank Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Three Rivers Community College serves the region.http://www.trcc.commnet.edu
, previously the Norwich Navigators, were a farm team of the San Francisco Giants
and they played at Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium from both's inception in 1995 until the team announced its move to Richmond, Virginia
for the 2010 season, where they are now known as the Richmond Flying Squirrels
. However, starting in 2010, Dodd Stadium will be home to the Connecticut Tigers
in the A Short season
New York - Penn League
(formerly the Oneonta Tigers
). The ESPN mini-series "The Bronx Is Burning
" was recently filmed at Dodd Stadium.
The Norwich Municipal Ice Rink has a 200’ x 85’ NHL regulation ice surface, four large locker rooms and other amenities. Residents of Norwich, Taftville, Occum and Yantic, senior citizens, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces receive reduced admission rates. Established in 1995, the Rose City Warriors are Norwich's Senior Women's Ice Hockey Team. A number of local high school ice hockey teams call the Rink home as well.
The Slater Memorial Museum, located on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy
, is named for John Fox Slater
(1815–1884), corporator of The Norwich Free Academy for twenty years. The museum has grown to include the "Art of Five Continents"—North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Of particular interest are the Vanderpoel Collection of Asian Art, the Paul Zimmerman Collection of African and Oceanic Art, and a collection of American 19th century paintings.
By the 1870s the Springfield and New London Railroad
Springfield and New London Railroad
The Springfield and New London Railroad is a historic railroad in Massachusetts. It was incorporated in Massachusetts as the Springfield and Longmeadow Railroad on May 2, 1849. In 1866 the act of incorporation was amended so as to permit a location terminating at the state line in either...
was also running trains through Norwich.
Through the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Norwich served as home to many large mills. The population grew and became more diverse with an influx of different ethnic groups. These new residents helped to build the city's schools, churches, and social centers. Today, Norwich is a thriving city with a stable population, wide range of municipal services, a modern industrial park, its own utility company, and a positive outlook for residential and business growth.
(http://www.norwichct.org/content/169/171/default.aspx)
Government
The city elects a Mayor, who presides over the City Council, which also includes six other members, all elected at large. The Mayor serves a maximum of two four-year terms; the council members serve two-year terms. The council appoints the Town and City Clerk as well as a City Manager who acts as chief executive officer of the city government. Members of the city Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals are also appointed by the City Council.Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²), of which 28.3 square miles (73.4 km²) is land and 1.1 square miles (3.0 km²) (3.87%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 36,117 people, 15,091 households, and 9,069 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,274.7 people per square mile (492.2/km²). There were 16,600 housing units at an average density of 585.9 per square mile (226.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.14% White, 6.84% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.21% Native American, 2.10% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.76% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.11% of the population.
There were 15,091 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.1% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,181, and the median income for a family was $49,155. Males had a median income of $34,880 versus $26,880 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $20,742. About 8.3% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
Mohegan Park
The Park Center contains Spaulding Pond, the square, fountain and Mohegan monument, both playgrounds and a dog pound run by the Norwich Police Department. The Park Center has declined somewhat. The zoo, reptile house, and concession stand have been closed for over a decade. However, much has been done to improve the appearance of the remaining park.
Spaulding Pond, the main body of water in Mohegan Park, is held back by an earthworks dam, across which is a path bordered by pergulas and flowering plants. In 1963, a crack in this dam caused the waters of Spaulding Pond to burst forth into the city, causing the Great Flood of Norwich that swamped houses, streets, cars and collapsed a mill, causing several deaths. Mohegan Park also contains another pond, called The Skating Pond, in the southwest corner. This pond has been pressed into reservoir service and is no longer open to public use.
Because of its ample, sprawling trails and variety of flora and fauna, Mohegan Park is a lesser-known destination for Southeastern Connecticut's nature photographers.
Neighborhoods
Several Norwich neighborhoods maintain independent identities and are recognized by official signs marking their boundaries. Neighborhoods of Norwich are NorwichtownNorwichtown
Norwichtown is an historic neighborhood in the city of Norwich, Connecticut. It is generally the area immediately north of the Yantic River between I-395 and Route 169....
, Bean Hill
Bean Hill Historic District
The Bean Hill Historic District is a historic district in Norwich, Connecticut that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982...
, Yantic, Taftville
Taftville, Connecticut
Taftville is a small village in eastern Connecticut. It is a neighborhood of Norwich but has its own post office . It was established in 1866 as site for the large Taftville Mill, later Ponemah Mill...
, Greeneville
Greeneville, Connecticut
Greeneville is a neighborhood of the city of in Norwich, Connecticut, located northeast of downtown Norwich along the west bank of the Shetucket River...
, Occum, East Great Plains, Thamesville, Laurel Hill and Chelsea
Downtown Norwich Historic District
The Downtown Norwich Historic District is a historic district representing the core of the downtown area of the city of Norwich, Connecticut. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985...
(the original "downtown" area.)
Education
Elementary and middle school residents are zoned to Norwich Public Schools http://www.norwichpublicschools.org. The district also operates Thames River Academy, an alternative high school. The middle schools of Norwich are Teachers' Memorial Middle School and Kelly Middle School. Norwich is also home to the Integrated Day Charter SchoolIntegrated Day Charter School
In 1989, the Integrated Day Program of Norwich, Connecticut was established within the existing public school system. In 1997, Joan Heffernan, June Morrone, and Joyce Werden helped to create an alternative school, as a free public school choice, for all members of the Norwich community and...
, an alternative to the area of public schools.
The Norwich Free Academy
Norwich Free Academy
The Norwich Free Academy founded in 1854 and in operation since 1856, is a high school located in the city of Norwich, Connecticut. The Academy serves as the primary high school for Norwich and the surrounding towns of Canterbury, Bozrah, Voluntown, Sprague, Lisbon, Franklin, Preston andseveral...
is the primary high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
for students living in Norwich and several surrounding towns.
Norwich Free Academy is a public school that is often described as an "independent school." The school receives money from state, federal, and private sources, and is not controlled by any of the municipalities that it serves. The school is governed by an independent board.
Sidney Frank
Sidney Frank
Sidney E. Frank was an American businessman who became a billionaire through his promotion of Grey Goose vodka and Jägermeister.-Early life, family, education:...
donated $13 million to the school which resulted in the campus' newest building to be named after him: the Sidney E. Frank Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Three Rivers Community College serves the region.http://www.trcc.commnet.edu
Sports and recreation
The AA Eastern League Connecticut DefendersConnecticut Defenders
The Connecticut Defenders were a minor league baseball team based in Norwich, Connecticut. The team, which played in the Eastern League, was the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major-league club from 2003 until following the 2009 season, when the Defenders relocated to Richmond,...
, previously the Norwich Navigators, were a farm team of the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and they played at Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium from both's inception in 1995 until the team announced its move to Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
for the 2010 season, where they are now known as the Richmond Flying Squirrels
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Richmond Flying Squirrels are a minor league baseball team in Richmond, Virginia. The team, which is a part of the Eastern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants major league club, and plays at The Diamond...
. However, starting in 2010, Dodd Stadium will be home to the Connecticut Tigers
Connecticut Tigers
The Connecticut Tigers are a minor league baseball team located in Norwich, Connecticut. They are members of the New York - Penn League. The Connecticut Tigers are a Short-Season A classification affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play their home games at Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium...
in the A Short season
Short season
Short season refers to a form of class A minor league baseball in which only about 75 games are played each season, as opposed to the typical 140 games for an affiliated minor league team at a higher level...
New York - Penn League
New York - Penn League
The New York – Penn League is a minor league baseball league which operates in the northeastern United States. It is classified as a "Short-Season A" league; its season starts in June, after major-league teams have signed their amateur draft picks to professional contracts, and ends in early...
(formerly the Oneonta Tigers
Oneonta Tigers
The Oneonta Tigers were a minor league baseball team located in Oneonta, New York. They were members of the New York - Penn League. The Tigers were the Short-Season A classification affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and played their home games at Damaschke Field...
). The ESPN mini-series "The Bronx Is Burning
The Bronx Is Burning
The Bronx Is Burning is a television drama that debuted on ESPN on July 9, 2007, after the 2007 MLB Home Run Derby. It is an eight-episode mini-series adapted from Jonathan Mahler's best-selling book, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning...
" was recently filmed at Dodd Stadium.
The Norwich Municipal Ice Rink has a 200’ x 85’ NHL regulation ice surface, four large locker rooms and other amenities. Residents of Norwich, Taftville, Occum and Yantic, senior citizens, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces receive reduced admission rates. Established in 1995, the Rose City Warriors are Norwich's Senior Women's Ice Hockey Team. A number of local high school ice hockey teams call the Rink home as well.
The Slater Memorial Museum, located on the campus of the Norwich Free Academy
Norwich Free Academy
The Norwich Free Academy founded in 1854 and in operation since 1856, is a high school located in the city of Norwich, Connecticut. The Academy serves as the primary high school for Norwich and the surrounding towns of Canterbury, Bozrah, Voluntown, Sprague, Lisbon, Franklin, Preston andseveral...
, is named for John Fox Slater
John Fox Slater
John Fox Slater , United States philanthropist known for assisting in the education of emancipated African American slaves.-Early life and career:...
(1815–1884), corporator of The Norwich Free Academy for twenty years. The museum has grown to include the "Art of Five Continents"—North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Of particular interest are the Vanderpoel Collection of Asian Art, the Paul Zimmerman Collection of African and Oceanic Art, and a collection of American 19th century paintings.
Notable people, past and present
- Benedict ArnoldBenedict ArnoldBenedict Arnold V was a general during the American Revolutionary War. He began the war in the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army. While a general on the American side, he obtained command of the fort at West Point, New York, and plotted to surrender it to the British forces...
(1741–1801), born in Norwich, famous colonial soldier. There is a commemorative plaque on the lot where his house used to stand. The city library has a prominent portrait of Arnold on the north wall. - Hannah ArnoldHannah ArnoldHannah Arnold, also known as Hannah Waterman King, was the mother of Benedict Arnold.-Biography:She was born Hannah Waterman in Norwich, Connecticut circa 1708 to John Waterman and Elizabeth. Her first husband, Absalom King, was a wealthy merchant who had settled in the area. The couple had a...
(1708–1758), born in Norwich, mother of Benedict Arnold. - Isaac BackusIsaac BackusIsaac Backus was a leading Baptist preacher during the era of the American Revolution who campaigned against state-established churches in New England....
(1724–1806), a delegate to the First Continental CongressFirst Continental CongressThe First Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from twelve of the thirteen North American colonies that met on September 5, 1774, at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early in the American Revolution. It was called in response to the passage of the Coercive Acts by the...
, was born in the city. - Isaac H. BromleyIsaac H. BromleyIsaac Hill Bromley was an American lawyer, editor, politician, railroad director, possibly most notable as a humorist.-Biography:Isaac Hill Bromley was born on March 6 1833 in Norwich, Connecticut...
(1833–1899), born in Norwich, lawyer, editor, politician, railroad director, possibly most notable as a humorist. - Benjamin ChurchBenjamin ChurchDr. Benjamin Church was effectively the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, serving as the "Chief Physician & Director General" of the Medical Service of the Continental Army from July 27, 1775 to October 17, 1775. He was also active in Boston's Sons of Liberty movement in the years before the...
(1734–1776), surgeon general of the Continental ArmyContinental ArmyThe Continental Army was formed after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War by the colonies that became the United States of America. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, it was created to coordinate the military efforts of the Thirteen Colonies in...
, suspected of spying for the enemy, was confined in the city. - Margaret CoitMargaret CoitMargaret Louise Coit was an American historian who wrote on Americanhistory for both adults and children.Coit was born in Norwich, Connecticut, to Archa Willoughby Coit, a stockbroker, and Grace Coit , the principal of a private day school. Two years later, Margaret's sister Grace was born with...
(1919–2003), historian, born in the city - Erastus CorningErastus CorningErastus Corning I , American businessman and politician, was born in Norwich, Connecticut. Corning moved to Troy, New York at the age of 13 to clerk in the hardware store of an uncle; six years later he moved to Albany, New York, where he joined the mercantile business under James Spencer...
(1794–1872), born in the city - Rajai DavisRajai DavisRajai Davis [RAH-jay] is an American professional baseball center fielder with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball....
, Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
outfielder for the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. - Costa DillonCosta DillonConstantine Dillon , usually known as Costa, is an American writer and actor of Greek ancestry. He is most famous as the creator of the cult classic film Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! and its sequels:Return of the Killer Tomatoes!,...
(1953- ) filmmaker, creator of Attack of the Killer TomatoesAttack of the Killer TomatoesAttack of the Killer Tomatoes is a 1978 comedy film directed by John De Bello and starring David Miller. The film is a spoof of B movies. Made on a budget of less than US$100,000, the story involves tomatoes becoming sentient by unknown means and revolting against humanity. Writing credits were...
. - Thomas J. DoddThomas J. DoddThomas Joseph Dodd was a United States Senator and Representative from Connecticut, He was the first Senator censured by the US Senate since Joseph McCarthy in 1954, and was one of only six people censured by the Senate in the 20th century. He is the father of former U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd...
(1907–1971), a U.S. Senator and Representative and the father of U.S. Senator Christopher J. DoddChristopher DoddChristopher John "Chris" Dodd is an American lawyer, lobbyist, and Democratic Party politician who served as a United States Senator from Connecticut for a thirty-year period ending with the 111th United States Congress....
, was born in the city. - Arielle DombasleArielle DombasleArielle Dombasle is a French-American singer, actress, director and model. Her breakthrough roles were in Éric Rohmer's Pauline at the Beach and Alain Robbe-Grillet's The Blue Villa...
(born Arielle Sonnery de Fromental in 1958 in Norwich) is a singer and actress working mostly in French films. - Terence P. FinneganTerence P. Finnegan-Biography:Born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1904, Finnegan was an ordained Roman Catholic priest. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Seminary and St. Mary's Seminary and University. In 1956, he was given the title of Monsignor by Pope Pius XII. He passed away on January 17, 1990.-Career:Finnegan was...
(1904–1990), Chief of Chaplains of the U.S. Air Force - Lafayette S. FosterLafayette S. FosterLafayette Sabine Foster was a nineteenth-century American politician and lawyer from Connecticut...
(1806–1880), a U.S. Senator and 57th President Pro Tempore of the United States SenatePresident pro tempore of the United States SenateThe President pro tempore is the second-highest-ranking official of the United States Senate. The United States Constitution states that the Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate and the highest-ranking official of the Senate despite not being a member of the body...
, died in the city. - Jonas GalushaJonas GalushaJonas Galusha was the sixth and eighth Governor of Vermont for two terms in the early 19th century.Galusha was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and migrated to Shaftsbury, Vermont, in 1775. He had a distinguished record in the American Revolution, fighting in the Battle of Bennington in 1777...
(1753–1834), Governor of Vermont for two terms in the early 19th century, was born in the city. - Daniel Coit GilmanDaniel Coit GilmanDaniel Coit Gilman was an American educator and academician, who was instrumental in founding the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale College, and who subsequently served as one of the earliest presidents of the University of California, the first president of Johns Hopkins University, and as...
(1831–1908), educator, college president, foundation president - Charlotte Perkins GilmanCharlotte Perkins GilmanCharlotte Perkins Gilman was a prominent American sociologist, novelist, writer of short stories, poetry, and nonfiction, and a lecturer for social reform...
, author and social reformer, lived for a short time in the city. - Roger GriswoldRoger GriswoldRoger Griswold was the 22nd Governor of Connecticut and a member of the US House of Representatives, serving as a Federalist....
(1762–1812), Governor of Connecticut, practiced law for a time in Norwich. - Galusha A. GrowGalusha A. GrowGalusha Aaron Grow was a prominent U.S. politician, lawyer, writer and businessman, and was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863. He was defeated for reelection in 1862...
, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1861 to 1863, studied law in the city. - Benjamin HuntingtonBenjamin HuntingtonBenjamin Huntington was an American lawyer, jurist and politician from Norwich, Connecticut. He served in the Revolutionary War with the rank of General. He later served Connecticut as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and as a member of the U.S...
(1736–1800), a delegate to the Continental Congress and later a Congressman, resident of the city. - Ebenezer HuntingtonEbenezer HuntingtonEbenezer Huntington was a United States Representative from Connecticut. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut. He pursued academic studies and was graduated from Yale College in 1775. He served as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, first in the Lexington alarm in April 1775 and later...
(1754–1834), member of the United States House of RepresentativesUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from 1817-1819. - P.W. Huntington, Founder of Huntington BancsharesHuntington BancsharesHuntington Bancshares, Inc., is a US$53 billion Midwestern bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. It is the 24th largest American bank. As of October 22, 2008, it was listed on the S&P 500...
, 19th Largest Bank in America. - Samuel HuntingtonSamuel Huntington (statesman)Samuel Huntington was a jurist, statesman, and Patriot in the American Revolution from Connecticut. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation...
, a delegate to the Second Continental CongressSecond Continental CongressThe Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting on May 10, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, soon after warfare in the American Revolutionary War had begun. It succeeded the First Continental Congress, which met briefly during 1774,...
and signer of the Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of independenceA declaration of independence is an assertion of the independence of an aspiring state or states. Such places are usually declared from part or all of the territory of another nation or failed nation, or are breakaway territories from within the larger state...
. First president under the Articles of ConfederationArticles of ConfederationThe Articles of Confederation, formally the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, was an agreement among the 13 founding states that legally established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution...
. - Samuel KirklandSamuel KirklandRev. Samuel Kirkland was a Presbyterian missionary among the Oneida and Tuscarora people in North America. Kirkland graduated from Princeton in 1765. On September 20, 1769, Samuel Kirkland married Jerusha Bingham in Windham, Connecticut...
(1741–1808), a Presbyterian missionary among the Oneida and Tuscarora people and founder (in 1793) of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy (later Hamilton College), was born in the city. - Paul KonerkoPaul KonerkoPaul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the...
Major League Baseball player for the Chicago White Sox. - Wally LambWally LambWally Lamb is an American author known as the writer of the novels She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, both of which were selected for Oprah's Book Club.Lamb was born in Norwich, Connecticut...
, author of She's Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, was the director of the Writing Center at the Norwich Free AcademyNorwich Free AcademyThe Norwich Free Academy founded in 1854 and in operation since 1856, is a high school located in the city of Norwich, Connecticut. The Academy serves as the primary high school for Norwich and the surrounding towns of Canterbury, Bozrah, Voluntown, Sprague, Lisbon, Franklin, Preston andseveral...
in the city from 1989 to 1998. - Edwin H. LandEdwin H. LandEdwin Herbert Land was an American scientist and inventor, best known as the co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation. Among other things, he invented inexpensive filters for polarizing light, a practical system of in-camera instant photography, and his retinex theory of color vision...
, inventor of the Polaroid Camera. - Cato MeadCato MeadThe only known Black Revolutionary War veteran buried west of the Mississippi River, Cato Mead is buried in or near Montrose, Iowa. According to historian Barbara MacLeish, who is researching a book on Mead, he joined the 4th Connecticut Regiment commanded by Col. John Durkee of Norwich,...
(ca. 1761-1846), African-American Revolutionary War veteran. - MiantonomohMiantonomohMiantonomoh , also spelled Miantonomo, Miantonomah or Miantonomi, was a chief of the Narragansett tribe of New England Indians, nephew of their grand sachem, Canonicus...
(1565?–1643), chief of the Narraganset tribe, captured and executed by the MoheganMoheganThe Mohegan tribe is an Algonquian-speaking tribe that lives in the eastern upper Thames River valley of Connecticut. Mohegan translates to "People of the Wolf". At the time of European contact, the Mohegan and Pequot were one people, historically living in the lower Connecticut region...
chief UncasUncasUncas was a sachem of the Mohegan who through his alliance with the English colonists in New England against other Indian tribes made the Mohegan the leading regional Indian tribe in lower Connecticut.-Early life and family:...
with a tomohawk in Norwich. - Elisha PerkinsElisha PerkinsElisha Perkins was a United States physician who created his own therapy, Perkins Patent Tractors.-Biography:...
(1741–1799), a popular quack doctor whose magnetic therapy, "Perkins Tractors" (made up of two 3 inches (76.2 mm) steel and brass rods with points at the ends) convinced even George WashingtonGeorge WashingtonGeorge Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
to buy a set. - E. Annie ProulxE. Annie ProulxEdna Annie Proulx is an American journalist and author. Her second novel, The Shipping News , won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for fiction in 1994, and was made into a film in 2001...
, journalist and author, was born in 1935 in the city. - Edith RooseveltEdith RooseveltEdith Kermit Carow Roosevelt was the second wife of Theodore Roosevelt and served as First Lady of the United States during his presidency from 1901 to 1909.-Early life:...
, the second wife of Theodore RooseveltTheodore RooseveltTheodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
, was born in the city. - Charles SholesCharles Sholes (Wisconsin politician)Charles Clark Sholes was a Wisconsin politician, Mayor of Kenosha, Wisconsin, newspaperman.Born in Norwich, Connecticut, Sholes learned printing and eventually went to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he got a newspaper started. From there, Sholes moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin...
(1816–1867), Wisconsin politician, was born in the city. - Lydia SigourneyLydia SigourneyLydia Huntley Sigourney , née Lydia Howard Huntley, was a popular American poet during the early and mid 19th century. She was commonly known as the "Sweet Singer of Hartford". Most of her works were published with just her married name Mrs. Sigourney.-Early life:Mrs...
(1791–1865), an extremely popular poet from the early-to-mid-19th century, was born in the city. - Horace SmithHorace Smith (inventor)Horace Smith was a gunsmith, inventor, and businessman. He and his business partner Daniel B. Wesson formed two companies named Smith & Wesson, the first of which was financed in part by Oliver Winchester and was eventually reorganized into the Winchester Repeating Arms Company-Early career:Born...
(1808–1893), partnered with Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich in the early 1850s to develop the first repeating rifle, known as the Volcanic rifle. The two founded Smith & Wesson in 1852. - John T. WaitJohn T. WaitJohn Turner Wait was a U.S. Representative from Connecticut.Born in New London, Connecticut, Wait moved with his mother to Norwich, Connecticut. He attended the common schools and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, for two years. He engaged in mercantile pursuits...
(1811–1899), Connecticut politician and lawyer, U.S. Representative from 1876 to 1887. - Daniel B. WessonDaniel B. WessonDaniel Baird Wesson was a firearms designer from the United States. He was responsible for helping develop several firearms that had a very large influence in the field.-Early years:...
, see Horace Smith - William WoodbridgeWilliam WoodbridgeWilliam Woodbridge was a U.S. statesman in the states of Ohio and Michigan and in the Michigan Territory prior to statehood...
(1780–1861), Governor of Michigan, who also represented the state in the U.S. Senate, was born in the city.
See also
- See also: List of newspapers in Connecticut in the 18th-century: Norwich