Middlesex Parish - History 101

Middlesex Parish, established in 1737, consists of what is now Darien and Rowayton.

Middlesex Parish, later known as Darien, 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) 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.

The Siwanoy

In the area that became Middlesex Parish (later the town of Darien, CT), the original inhabitants (pre-English settlers) were the Siwanoy, a subtribe of the larger Wappinger people. The Siwanoy, also known as "the south people", were an Algonquian-speaking sachemdom who lived in small villages and engaged in activities like fishing, hunting, and farming. They inhabited the region before European colonization began.

Middlesex Parish est. 1737

The area that would become Middlesex Parish in Connecticut was not a separate, self-governing colony like some others. It was part of the larger Connecticut Colony, which was itself a Puritan settlement founded in the 1630s. Middlesex Parish, later the town of Darien, was originally part of the town of Stamford. The history of Middlesex Parish is more about its evolution within the Connecticut Colony rather than being a separate colony's initial settlement.

Here's a more detailed look at the colonization process and Middlesex Parish's place in it:

Founding of the Connecticut Colony:

The Connecticut Colony was established by Puritan settlers from Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth, primarily in the 1630s. Key figures like Thomas Hooker led migrations and settlements at places like Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield.
Early Settlement:

The Connecticut River Valley was a fertile area that attracted English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth colonies. These early settlers established trading posts, stockades, and towns, laying the groundwork for the colony's growth.
Middlesex Parish (Darien) Development:

The area that would become Middlesex Parish was initially part of Stamford. It was settled by colonists from Wethersfield around 1641. Later, in 1737, Middlesex Parish was formally established, separating it from Stamford.
Incorporation as a Town:

In 1820, the area was officially incorporated as the town of Darien, including the village of Noroton.

In 1737, Middlesex Parish was established in what is now the town of Darien, Connecticut, separating it from Stamford. This newly named parish marked the beginning of a distinct community life for the area.

Town of Darien, 1820

Town of Darien 1820

Industrialization ...

The arrival of the New Haven Railroad in 1848 marked a turning point in Darien's history, leading to a shift in business activity and population growth.
Immigration from Ireland and Italy contributed to the growing population, further diversifying the town's social fabric.

The Gilded Age and the Emergence of a "Gold Coast" Community:

The end of the Civil War brought a building boom and increased prosperity, attracting wealthy families to Darien.
Darien became part of Connecticut's "Gold Coast," known for its affluent residents and summer homes.
While some industries, like shipbuilding and manufacturing, existed, Darien's industrial footprint was relatively small compared to other towns in the region.

Limited Industrialization and a Primarily Residential Focus:

Today, Darien is primarily a suburban residential community with no major industrial enterprises.
The town's history is characterized by its transformation from a rural community to a commuter town, largely due to the impact of the railroad and the growth of the "Gold Coast".