64-624: Norwich ( / ˈ n ɔːr w ɪ tʃ / NOR -wich ) (also called " The Rose of New England ") is a city in New London County, Connecticut , United States. The Yantic , Shetucket , and Quinebaug Rivers flow into the city and form its harbor, from which the Thames River flows south to Long Island Sound . The city is part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region . The population
128-542: A Connecticut Technical High School System School, also serves the area. This school is a public option to those within the Norwich area, and many other towns surrounding Norwich. To those within the Norwich area, transportation is provided by Norwich Public Schools via the same buses that serve Norwich Free Academy in the morning, and in the afternoon students are transported to Norwich Free Academy to use their buses to return home. Three Rivers Community College also serves
192-494: A City Manager who acts as chief executive officer of the city government, the city Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. Elementary and middle school residents are zoned to Norwich Public Schools . The middle schools of Norwich are Teachers' Memorial Global Studies Middle School and Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School. Norwich is also home to the Integrated Day Charter School, an alternative to
256-564: A center of activity for the Sons of Liberty . The Oxford English Dictionary attests the first recorded use of the word "Hello" to The Norwich Courier on October 18, 1826. Regular steamship service between New York and Boston helped Norwich to prosper as a shipping center through the early part of the 19th century. During the Civil War, Norwich once again rallied and saw the growth of its textile, armaments, and specialty item manufacturing. This
320-475: 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 pergolas and flowering plants. On March 6, 1963, long-term saturation of the over-100-year-old earthen content, along with unchecked shrub and tree growth, severely weakened the structural content of
384-492: A female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% were non-families. Thirty-two percent 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 age distribution of the population shows 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
448-495: A household in the city was $ 51,300. Fifteen percent of the population were below the poverty line . 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
512-563: A pre-war Russian emigre group that advocated fascism for the country under Anastasy Vonsiatsky . According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 20.4 square miles (52.8 km ), of which, 20.3 square miles (52.6 km ) are land and 0.1 square mile (0.3 km ) (0.54%) is water. The town is drained by the Quinebaug River , which runs north and south through
576-573: A small group of local business owners started First Friday Putnam, a monthly arts-based event running from March to October. Putnam is home to WINY , an AM and FM radio station. Originally called the Bradley Theatre, the Bradley Playhouse was completed on January 29, 1901. In 1914, the playhouse suffered a series of fires, and upon remodeling changed the interior to better showcase movies, as they were of increased popularity at
640-684: Is New London Union Station in New London, CT . The nearest options for air travel are Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT , and Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport in Providence, RI . Both of which are located 55–65 minutes away by vehicle. Up until the mid 2000s, there was a closer airport with commercial air service, Groton-New London Airport . In recent years, there have been discussions and proposals involving restoring passenger rail service to Norwich along
704-512: 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
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#1732779837240768-604: Is a town in Windham County, Connecticut , United States. The town is part of the Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region . The population was 10,214 at the 2020 census . Putnam, originally known as Aspinock, then part of Killingly , is a New England mill town incorporated in 1855. Created from sections of Killingly, Pomfret , and Thompson , the town was named in honor of Revolutionary War General Israel Putnam . Putnam
832-468: Is also included in the Hartford - East Hartford, Connecticut Combined Statistical Area. There is no county government and no county seat, as is the case with all eight of Connecticut's counties; towns are responsible for all local government activities, including fire and rescue, snow removal, and schools. New London County contains reservations of four of the five state-recognized Indian tribes, although
896-605: Is also served by the Northeastern Connecticut Transit District with service to and from Putnam, CT . Historically, the city held a railroad stop at its downtown station, which is now in use as an office for The Norwich Bulletin . In the past, the city was served by the Norwich and Worcester Railroad , which today is still operated as a freight railroad, the Providence and Worcester Railroad . The nearest passenger rail station to Norwich
960-420: Is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates, "Race alone or in combination with one or more other races." Villages are named localities within towns, but have no separate corporate existence from the towns they are in. 41°28′N 72°06′W / 41.47°N 72.10°W / 41.47; -72.10 Putnam, Connecticut Putnam
1024-513: The 2010 census , there were 9,584 people, 3,950 households, and 2,396 families residing in the town. The population density was 472.1 inhabitants per square mile (182.3/km ). There were 4,299 housing units at an average density of 211.8 per square mile (81.8/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 94.1% White , 1.3% African American , 0.6% Native American , 1.0% Asian , 0.0% Pacific Islander , 0.6% from other races , and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.9% of
1088-566: The New England Central Railroad , providing service from New London, CT , through Norwich up to Brattleboro, VT . The most recent and ongoing proposal is the Central Corridor Rail Line . New London County, Connecticut New London County is a county in the southeastern corner of Connecticut and comprises the Norwich - New London, Connecticut Metropolitan Statistical Area , which
1152-533: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 29.5 square miles (76.4 km), of which 28.3 sq mi (73.4 km) is land and 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km) (3.87%) is water. Several Norwich neighborhoods maintain independent identities and are recognized by official signs marking their boundaries. Neighborhoods of Norwich are Norwichtown , Bean Hill , Yantic , Taftville , Greeneville , Occum, East Great Plains, Thamesville, Laurel Hill and Chelsea (the original "downcity" area.) As of
1216-414: The census 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 inhabitants per square mile (492.2/km). There were 16,600 housing units at an average density of 585.9 per square mile (226.2/km). Twenty-nine percent of households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 15.0% had
1280-412: The 107,057 households, 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.7% were non-families, and 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.98. The median age was 40.4 years. The median income for a household in
1344-594: The Leffingwell Inn. In 1668, a wharf was established at Yantic Cove. Settlement was primarily in the three-mile (4.8 km) area around the Norwichtown Green. The 69 founding families soon divided up the land in the Norwichtown vicinity for farms and businesses. Until 1786, the town of Norwich encompassed what became known as the "Nine Mile Square". Eight Religious Societies were created over
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#17327798372401408-630: The Paugassett were historically located farther west. The population was 268,555 as of the 2020 census. On June 6, 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau formally recognized Connecticut's nine councils of governments as county equivalents instead of the state's eight counties. Connecticut's county governments were disbanded in 1960, and the councils of governments took over some of the local governmental functions. Connecticut's eight historical counties continue to exist in name only, and are no longer considered for statistical purposes. Southeastern New England
1472-636: The Rose City Warriors are Norwich's Senior Women's Ice Hockey Team and a number of local high school ice hockey teams call the Rink home as well. The city elects a Mayor, who presides over the City Council, which 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,
1536-827: The Vanderpoel Collection of Asian Art, the Paul Zimmerman Collection of African and Oceanic Art, and a collection of 19th-century American paintings. Another wing of the museum displays souvenirs from the Slater family's circumnavigation of the globe. The AA Eastern League Connecticut Defenders , 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
1600-428: The age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.70% were non-families. 26.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.00. In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.40% under
1664-469: The age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 97.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.50 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 50,646, and the median income for a family was $ 59,857. Males had a median income of $ 41,292 versus $ 30,525 for females. The per capita income for
1728-405: The area of public schools. Despite Norwich Public Schools serving the district, since 2007 NPS has not operated a high school after Norwich High School was closed and repurposed. The Norwich Free Academy is the primary high school for students living in Norwich and several surrounding towns, including Bozrah, Canterbury, Franklin, Lisbon, Preston, Sprague, and Voluntown. The Norwich Free Academy
1792-627: The center of town. A tributary of the Quinebaug, the Five Mile River , runs north and south through East Putnam. Putnam has common boundaries with Thompson on the north (approx. 6 mi.), with Rhode Island on the east (approx. 2 mi.), with Killingly on the south (approx. 7 mi.) and with Pomfret and Woodstock on the west (approx. 4 mi.). The town is crossed by Interstate 395 , U.S. Route 44 , Connecticut Route 12 , Connecticut Route 21 and Connecticut Route 171 . As of
1856-466: The city, such as the city hall, courts, and post office, and all the large 19th-century urban blocks, were located in the harbor area. The former center is now called Norwichtown to distinguish it from the current city. Norwich merchants were shipping goods directly from England, but the Stamp Act of 1764 forced Norwich to become more self-sufficient. Large mills and factories sprang up at the falls on
1920-423: The county area is usually provided by the individual town governments. The less populated towns of Lyme and Old Lyme have joined to form a single, regional school district (Region 18). School districts include: K-12: Elementary only: There is also a privately endowed publicly funded school, Norwich Free Academy . Since 1952, New London County has voted for the presidential candidate that won Connecticut. In
1984-532: The county is Gates Hill in the Town of Lebanon at approximately 660 feet (200 m) above sea level, and the lowest point is sea level. As of 1960, counties in Connecticut do not have any associated county government structure. All municipal services are provided by the towns. Regional councils of governments were established throughout the state in 1989 in order to address regional issues concerning infrastructure, land use, and economic development. Most of
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2048-604: The county is provided by the towns. Several towns also have fire districts that provide services to a section of the town. Water service to 12 of the 21 towns of New London County is provided by a regional non-profit public corporation known as the Southeastern Water Authority. The Southeastern Water Authority supplies water to participating towns within New London County and is one of only two such county-wide public water service providers in
2112-515: The county was $ 24,678. About 4.50% of families and 6.40% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.80% of those under age 18 and 6.60% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 274,055 people, 107,057 households, and 69,862 families residing in the county. The population density was 412.2 inhabitants per square mile (159.2/km ). There were 120,994 housing units at an average density of 182.0 per square mile (70.3/km ). The racial makeup of
2176-454: The county was $ 65,419 and the median income for a family was $ 80,425. Males had a median income of $ 54,352 versus $ 41,721 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 32,888. About 5.0% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over. Data is from the 2010 United States Census and the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Data
2240-399: The county was 82.2% white, 5.8% black or African American, 4.2% Asian, 0.9% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 3.2% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 8.5% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 18.9% were Irish , 15.2% were Italian , 14.8% were English , 11.6% were German , 9.6% were Polish , and 3.7% were American . Of
2304-689: The course of the 18th century and in 1786 these were mostly split into new towns, while the Long Society was merged into Preston, Connecticut . By 1694, the public landing built at the head of the Thames River allowed ships to unload goods at the harbor; the harbor area is known as the Chelsea neighborhood. The distance from the port to Norwichtown was served by the East and West Roads, which became Broadway and Washington Street. The original center of
2368-578: The dam and caused the waters of Spaulding Pond to burst forth into the city, causing the Great Flood of Norwich, elegantly chronicled in the 2013 book A Swift and Deadly Maelstrom; The Great Norwich Flood of 1963 . The break and subsequent flood flow pulverized houses with its large ice content, over-ran streets and cars while destroying the eastern half of the Turner-Stanton Mill, situated in the flood's direct path on Centennial Square. It
2432-540: The empty mills and underutilized downtown commercial buildings to develop a large antique center. Antique shops lined Main Street and other areas in town. Beginning in the early 2000s, many of the antique stores begun to close and were replaced by restaurants, small shops, and a vibrant arts community. Putnam was also the unlikely base of operations for the All-Russian Fascist Organization ,
2496-432: The last two presidential elections, Democratic strength was predominantly seen in the cities of New London and Norwich , as well as much of the county's southern and coastal areas. Conversely, Republican strength in the same elections was seen in the northern areas of the county. As of the census of 2000, there were 259,088 people, 99,835 households, and 67,188 families residing in the county. The population density
2560-404: The local youth, thus its sobriquet, was re-designed as part of Norwich's long-term flood plan in 1968 and currently still serves as a surge overflow volume for the upgraded Spaulding Pond Dam, although it is no longer open for public use. The Norwich Municipal Ice Rink has a 200' × 85' National Hockey League regulation ice surface, four large locker rooms and other amenities. Established in 1995,
2624-716: The next few decades: Preston in 1687, Colchester in 1699, and Lebanon in 1700. The settlements along the Quinebaug Valley were placed in New London County in 1697, and incorporated as Plainfield in 1699. By 1717, more towns were established in northeastern Connecticut and added to New London County between the Quinebaug Valley and the Rhode Island border. Windham County was constituted from Hartford and New London counties on May 12, 1726, consisting of towns in northeastern Connecticut. New London County lost
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2688-417: The population. Of the 3,950 households, 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size
2752-598: The region. Top employers in Norwich according to the town's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Local public transportation in Norwich is provided by Southeast Area Transit (SEAT). The main bus hub, the Norwich Transportation Center , is located on Holly Hock Island next to the downtown area. This station is also served by the Windham Region Transit District with service to and from Willimantic, CT . Norwich
2816-594: The rivers which traverse the town, the largest of which was the Ponemah Mill in the Taftville neighborhood. The ship captains of Norwich and New London were skillful at avoiding Imperial taxation during peacetime and were later just as successful eluding warships during the American Revolution . Norwich supported the cause for independence by supplying soldiers, ships, and munitions, and it was also
2880-424: The state. Hurricane Diane soaked the state with 14 inches (360 mm) of rain on August 18–19. The result was flooding in many of the state's rivers, including the Quinebaug River . The resulting torrent of water destroyed homes, businesses and factories. Floating magnesium barrels burst, lighting up the night. The railroad bed was washed away. Toward the end of the twentieth century, the town took advantage of
2944-595: The state. Seven towns receive water service from one or more private corporations. The city of Norwich and most of the town of Groton provide for their own water service. Several towns in New London County have organized the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority. The participating towns are East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Norwich, Preston, Sprague, Stonington, and Waterford. Education in
3008-522: The superior courts located in the cities of New London and Norwich. Law enforcement within the geographic area of the county is provided by the respective town police departments. Prior to 2000, a County Sheriff's Department existed for the purpose of executing judicial warrants, prisoner transport, and court security. These responsibilities have now been taken over by the Connecticut State Marshal System . Fire protection in
3072-695: 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 became the home to the Connecticut Tigers (formerly the Oneonta Tigers , now named Norwich Sea Unicorns ) in the Class-A short-season New York–Penn League . The ESPN mini-series The Bronx Is Burning was filmed at Dodd Stadium. This forested area
3136-556: 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
3200-417: The town was $ 26,994. About 10.6% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.6% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over. Putnam District or "Historic Downtown" is home to many arts events and businesses. Aligning Main Street, which runs through the center of Downtown, there are over seven arts-related businesses in just one block of the town. In 2010,
3264-432: The town was a neighborhood now called Norwichtown, an inland location chosen to be the center of a primarily agricultural community. By the late 18th century, shipping at the harbor became far more important than farming, especially when industrial mills began manufacturing on the three tributary rivers. By the early 19th century, the center of Norwich had effectively moved to the Chelsea neighborhood. The official buildings of
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#17327798372403328-745: The towns of New London County are part of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, the exceptions being the towns of Lyme, Old Lyme, and Lebanon. Lyme and Old Lyme are part of the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency, while Lebanon is part of the Windham Regional Council of Governments. The geographic area of the county is coterminous with the New London judicial district, with
3392-417: The towns of Voluntown, Pomfret, Killingly, Canterbury, Plainfield, and Lebanon to the newly formed county. In 1785, Middlesex County was constituted, consisting of towns along the lower Connecticut River Valley, taking away the towns of Killingworth and Saybrook from New London County. Several additional boundary adjustments took place in the 19th century: the establishment of the town of Marlborough in 1803,
3456-468: The transfer of the town of Lebanon from Windham County in 1824, and the transfer of the town of Voluntown from Windham County in 1881. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 772 square miles (2,000 km ), of which 665 square miles (1,720 km ) is land and 107 square miles (280 km ) (13.8%) is water. The terrain of the county is mostly level, becoming more elevated only in its northern extreme. The highest point in
3520-431: Was 2.89. In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.9 years old. The median income for a household in the town was $ 51,171 and the median income for a family was $ 63,030. Males had a median income of $ 51,586 versus $ 44,901 for females. The per capita income for
3584-415: 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. In 2012, the population had risen to 40,502 and the racial makeup of the city was 70% White, 13% Hispanic or Latino, 10% Black or African American, 8% Asian, and 1% Native American. A significant influx of Chinese Americans has settled in Norwich since 2010. The 2012 median income for
3648-687: Was 389 people per square mile (150 people/km ). There were 110,674 housing units at an average density of 166 per square mile (64/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 87.00% White , 5.29% Black or African American , 0.96% Native American , 1.96% Asian , 0.06% Pacific Islander , 2.05% from other races , and 2.68% from two or more races. 5.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 13.8% were of Irish , 12.7% Italian , 10.8% English , 7.9% German , 7.1% Polish and 6.4% French ancestry, 90.1% spoke English , 4.5% Spanish and 1.1% French as their first language. There were 99,835 households, out of which 32.40% had children under
3712-505: Was 40,125 at the 2020 United States Census . The town of Norwich was founded in 1659, on the site of what is now the neighborhood of Norwichtown , by settlers from Saybrook Colony led by Major John Mason , James Fitch , and Lieutenant Francis Griswold. They purchased the land "nine miles square" that became Norwich from Mohegan Sachem Uncas . One of the co-founders of Norwich was Thomas Leffingwell, who rescued Uncas when surrounded by his Narragansett tribesmen, and whose son established
3776-546: Was a key contributor in providing clothing and other goods to the Civil War soldiers . There were numerous mills and a train ran through the town, providing transportation for the goods being produced. On August 19, 1955, Putnam was devastated by floods from torrential downpours caused by two hurricanes , which hit Connecticut within the span of a week. Hurricane Connie affected Connecticut on August 13, dropping between four and six inches (152 mm) of rain across
3840-535: Was also spurred by the building of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad in 1832–1837, bringing goods and people in and out of Norwich. By the 1870s, the Springfield and New London Railroad was also running trains through Norwich. In 1892, the city's first electric trolleys started service to the area and to some cities, including New London , Willimantic , Putnam , and Westerly, Rhode Island . The town and city of Norwich were consolidated in 1952. According to
3904-776: Was dominated by the Pequot people at the time of English colonization. They spoke the Mohegan-Pequot language and were one of the Algonquian -speaking tribes in the coastal areas. After years of conflict, the Colonists and their Indian allies defeated the Pequots in the Pequot War of 1637, ending their dominance. Two descendant Pequot tribes are recognized by the state today, as are three other tribes. New London County
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#17327798372403968-575: Was incorporated in 1855 by an act of the Connecticut Legislature, and operates as a privately endowed independent school governed by its Board of Trustees and funded by private, municipal, and state sources. In 2006, Sidney Frank donated $ 12 million to the Norwich Free Academy which resulted in the campus's newest building being named after him: the Sidney E. Frank Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Norwich Technical High School ,
4032-582: Was one of four original counties in Connecticut that were established on May 10, 1666, by an act of the Connecticut General Court, which states: New London County in 1666 consisted of the towns of Stonington, Norwich, New London, and Saybrook. The "Homonoscet Plantation" was settled in March 1663, at first as Kenilworth, but was incorporated as the town of Killingworth in 1667. Several new towns were incorporated and added to New London over
4096-427: Was there that the building collapsed, claiming the lives of six of the seven total who would die that night while causing over six million dollars in damage. Mohegan Park also contains another, smaller pond, called The Skating Pond which is southeast of the main pond. This pond, which had always been designed as an overflow spillway for Spaulding Pond and, when frozen in the winter provided a wonderful ice skating area for
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