Middlesex Parish - History 101
Middlesex Parish, established in 1737, consists of what is now Darien and Rowayton.
Middlesex Parish, now known as Darien and Rowayton, Connecticut, was originally part of Stamford. Settlement began in the late 17th century, with individuals and families establishing homes and communities in areas like Noroton Cove, Gorham's Landing, and the head of the Five Mile River. It was established as a distinct entity in 1737 and a meetinghouse (church - now the First Congregational Church of Darien) was built by 1744, solidifying the area's distinct identity. Middlesex Parish eventually sought and achieved independence from Stamford in 1820, becoming the town of Darien.
Before Settlement - the Siwanoy
Long before European settlers arrived, the land that is now Darien was home to the Siwanoy, a branch of the Lenape (Algonquian-speaking) peoples. These Indigenous communities lived along the shores of Long Island Sound, fishing its waters, farming corn, and hunting in the forests. Seasonal villages were established near the Goodwives and Five Mile Rivers.
The Siwanoy population in the area likely numbered in the low hundreds, forming tightly-knit clans. They lived in wigwams, followed migratory cycles, and passed down oral traditions. Land and waterways were shared resources, central to their cultural identity.
Though their presence was eventually displaced by colonial expansion, the Siwanoy legacy lives on through local place names like Noroton and Tokeneke. Their history is an essential foundation of Darien’s story.
Colonial Beginnings - Middlesex Parish (1700s)
By the early 1700s, English settlers had spread from Stamford and Norwalk into the coastal farmland that would become Middlesex Parish in 1737. The new parish provided a spiritual and civic center for outlying residents who had previously traveled long distances to Stamford’s main church.
The population in this era was sparse but growing—likely a few hundred people by mid-century, concentrated around churches and harbors. Farming, fishing, and small-scale trade supported families, and children attended one-room schoolhouses in rural districts.
Rowayton, now part of Norwalk, was originally included in the parish boundaries and shared in its ecclesiastical and community life. Life revolved around cooperation, worship, and stewardship of the land.
Middlesex Parish remained under Stamford’s governance, but a strong local identity was forming—one that would push for independence in the coming decades.
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Image left: the original Middlesex Parish meeting house built in 1737.
The American Revolution and British Raids (1775–1783)
The American Revolution brought both unity and fear to Middlesex Parish. Located along Long Island Sound, it became a target for British raids. Troops and loyalist forces landed at Noroton Bay and Five Mile River, burning homes and stealing livestock, ammunition and other valuables to intimidate patriots and control shipping routes.
Residents—then numbering around 700–800 people—organized into local militias. Some joined the Continental Army, while others supported the cause by supplying food, horses, and intelligence. Taverns became gathering spots for patriots, and churches hosted meetings on liberty and resistance.
Despite the trauma of raids, the war forged a stronger civic bond. The people of Middlesex emerged from the Revolution proud, battered, and ready for independence—not just from Britain, but from Stamford.
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Image right: Reverend Moses Mather preaches while Tories raid the Meetinghouse. They take Rev. Mather and 47 other men as prisoners.
Independence and Incorporation – The Town of Darien (1820)
After decades of growing autonomy, Middlesex Parish officially incorporated as the Town of Darien in 1820. The population had reached about 1,000 residents, mostly farmers, shipbuilders, and seafarers. The name “Darien” was said to be inspired by a sailor who once passed through the Isthmus of Darien in Panama.
Darien’s location on Long Island Sound made it a natural maritime town. Fishing, coastal trade, and shipbuilding thrived along the Five Mile River. Rowayton, though once part of Middlesex Parish, would eventually become part of Norwalk as its own maritime identity developed.
The new town government began building roads, schools, and a sense of community. With independence from Stamford, Darien began charting its own course.
The Railroad and Growth (Late 1800s – Early 1900s)
The arrival of the New Haven Railroad in the mid-1800s connected Darien and Rowayton to New York City, transforming it from a quiet seafaring town to an upscale commuter suburb. By 1900, Darien’s population had grown to around 3,000 residents. Wealthy New Yorkers built summer estates along the water, introducing leisure culture to the coastal countryside.
Local businesses flourished. Churches, schools, and civic organizations grew. Darien developed modern amenities—running water, electricity, and paved roads—while preserving its natural beauty. The railroad ushered in a period of transformation, blending the town’s maritime past with its new suburban future.
War and Suburbia (1940s–1970s)
World War II mobilized the communities of Darien and Rowayton. Dozens of residents served in the military, while families at home supported the war through rationing, volunteering, and fundraising. After the war, returning veterans settled into rapidly growing neighborhoods, fueled by the GI Bill and a postwar economic boom.
Darien’s population surged—from about 6,000 in 1940 to over 16,000 by 1970. Similarly, Rowayton's population doubled from 2,500 post WW2 to 5,000 in the 1800s. New schools, parks, and shopping centers appeared. Life centered on family, education, and civic engagement—think Little League, PTA meetings, and Fourth of July parades.
The mid-20th century defined modern Darien and Rowayton: suburban, family-oriented, and poised for future growth.
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Image left: 1949, Life Magazine, "Commuting Never Looked so Good." MORE
Today’s Darien (1980s–Present)
Since the 1980s, Darien has grown into one of the most desirable towns in Connecticut. The population now stands at approximately 22,000 people, supported by excellent schools, a revitalized downtown, and continued investment in public services.
Community life remains vibrant, with local traditions and institutions anchoring the town’s identity. Organizations work to preserve Darien’s heritage while embracing a forward-looking approach. Parks, waterfront access, and historic preservation remain priorities.
Events like the 250th celebration of American independence reflect Darien’s pride in its past and hope for the future. Whether strolling through historic neighborhoods or kayaking along the Sound, residents experience both the legacy and the promise of a truly American town.
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Today’s Rowayton (1980s–Present)
Since the 1980s, Rowayton ...