Lake Mcdonough, Barkhamsted

Lake Mcdonough, Barkhamsted

The town of Barkhamsted, located in Litchfield County, is in the northwest corner of Connecticut on the Farmington River. Allocated to Windsor in 1732, proprietors used the land for farming and raising livestock. That same year, the General Assembly named the town Berkhamstead. In 1774, the town applied for incorporation but was not officially recognized until 1779. In 1795, its name changed to the present spelling. Today, the town is known for the Barkhamsted Reservoir, a man-made body of water that serves the needs of Hartford residents, and for the iconic Hitchcock chair that was produced in Barkhamsted until the early 20th century.

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Spillway and bridge near Saville Dam, Barkhamsted

Barkhamsted Reservoir Construction Washes Away a Community

While the Barkhamsted Reservoir project proved successful, it cost 1,000 displaced residents their homes and livelihoods. …[more]

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