The following set of maps were created by Phil Lohman, artist and Wethersfield resident. These birds-eye views are intended to depict, in fifty year increments, the development of Wethersfield and to highlight some noteworthy events. Please click on the illustration for a larger view.
The maps and accompanying text were originally published in the Town of Wethersfield’s 2013 “Plan of Conservation and Development”, and were on display at the Wethersfield Public Library.
have been settled around 1634. The first settlers are thought to have wintered on the west side of the river. A Wongunk settlement is nearby. Note the different configuration of the Connecticut River at that time.
1684: This illustration shows how Wethersfield might have been settled around 1684. The river has changed course. A witch trial might have been going on at the meetinghouse. The mid 1600s were a time for “witch hysteria”. Four witch trials and three executions for witchcraft occurred in Wethersfield.
1734: The next illustration shows how Wethersfield might have been settled around 1734. Note the configuration of the Connecticut River and the farm fields surrounding the growing village area. Note also the homesteads in outlying areas.
1784: This illustration shows how Wethersfield might have been settled around 1784. In 1781, General George Washington met in Wethersfield with Count Rochambeau of France to coordinate their activities for the decisive battle of Yorktown.
1834: The next illustration depicts how Wethersfield might have been settled around 1834. Many of the fields are devoted to seed production in addition to subsistence farming. Ice was harvested from the Cove in the winter.
1884: This illustration shows Wethersfield as it might have been settled around 1884. The first telegraph and phone lines are being installed and the horsedrawn trolley service connecting Wethersfield to Hartford begins to set the stage for Wethersfield to become a “suburban” community.
1934: The next illustration shows how Wethersfield was settled around 1934. Speculative subdivisons are occurring on old farmsteads. The Silas Deane Highway has been constructed and there are a number of houses built adjacent to the trolley lines (Hartford Avenue and Wolcott Hill Road).
1984: This illustration shows Wethersfield as it was settled around 1984. The embankment built as part of the construction of interstate 91 now confines the Connecticut River so its course is more certain. Earth excavated for the embankment created the large “cove” at Crow Point. The embankment also seperated Wethersfeild fro the Connecticut River. Development along the Silas Deane Highway is essentially complete and there are numerous houses in the surrouning areas. Subdivisions have spread far afield from the historic settlement area.
2034: This illustration is a fictional map created by Phil Lohman as a projection of his ideal Wethersfield future.
About the Author: Phil Lohman