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Undid revision 1259408729 by 2600:480A:60D0:B800:8919:3B4C:527A:E798 (talk) Removal should probably be discussed in talk page first; if the referenced similar term "white trash" has a Wiki article, I don't know that an objective explanation of "raggie" wouldn't be acceptable from an encyclopedci standpoint. .
 
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{{redirect|Western Connecticut Highlands|the Connecticut wine region|Western Connecticut Highlands AVA}}
{{Short description|Region of the state of Connecticut, U.S.}}
{{About||the planning region and council of governments|Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut}}
{{Redirect2|Western Connecticut Highlands|Greater Torrington|the Connecticut wine region|Western Connecticut Highlands AVA|the town in Devon, England|Great Torrington}}
[[Image:Litchfieldhills.png|right|thumb|250px|Map of Connecticut showing the Northwest Connecticut region in green and the Litchfield Hills region in blue]]
[[Image:Litchfieldhills.png|right|thumb|250px|Map of Connecticut showing the Northwest Connecticut region in green and the Litchfield Hills region in blue]]

The '''Northwest Hills''' (also known as the '''Litchfield Hills''' or '''Northwest Highlands''') are a geographic region of the U.S. state of [[Connecticut]] located in the northwestern corner of the state. It is roughly coterminous with the boundaries of [[Litchfield County, Connecticut|Litchfield County]], for which it is named. The geographic region includes colloquial subregions -rural '''Northwestern Connecticut''' and the area associated with the city of [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]], also known as the Upper Naugatuck River Valley or simply Litchfield Hills- which have also variously corresponded to designated government councils both past and present. Much of the area makes up the lowermost section of the [[The Berkshires|Berkshire]] region, and is culturally similar to the rest of western [[New England]].
The '''Litchfield Hills''' (also known as the '''Northwest Hills''' or '''Northwest Highlands''') are a geographic region of the U.S. state of [[Connecticut]] located in the northwestern corner of the state. It is roughly coterminous with the boundaries of [[Litchfield County, Connecticut|Litchfield County]], for which it is named. The geographic region includes colloquial subregions—rural '''Northwestern Connecticut''' and the area associated with the city of [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]], also known as the Upper Naugatuck River Valley or simply Litchfield Hills—which have also variously corresponded to designated government councils both past and present. Much of the area makes up the lowermost section of the [[Berkshires]] and is culturally similar to the rest of western [[New England]].


==Towns and cities==
==Towns and cities==
{{Div col|colwidth=10em}}
⚫
* [[Bethlehem, Connecticut| Bethlehem]]
* [[Barkhamsted, Connecticut|Barkhamsted]]
* [[Barkhamsted, Connecticut|Barkhamsted]]
* [[Burlington, Connecticut|Burlington]]
* [[Burlington, Connecticut|Burlington]]
Line 26: Line 29:
* [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]]
* [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]]
* [[Winchester, Connecticut|Winchester]]
* [[Winchester, Connecticut|Winchester]]
{{Div col end}}


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
The Litchfield hills are known for their distinct rural scenery, which can stand in contrast to central and southern Connecticut, which is largely urbanized or suburbanized. (However, there is some encroachment of development into the region as people from greater Hartford move west and people from [[New York City]], northern [[New Jersey]], and [[Gold Coast (Connecticut)|parts of Fairfield County]] move north). This region is a key part of the [[Housatonic River]] and [[Farmington River]] watersheds, and encompasses a number of Connecticut's highest peaks, such as [[Bear Mountain (Connecticut)|Bear Mountain]] and Canaan Mountain. Most of the region comprises forested and rocky hills with farmland and small towns interspersed in the flatter areas. The terrain in the Litchfield Hills area varies from gently rolling to the south and east to more mountainous toward the north and west. The region generally experiences colder temperatures due to higher elevation.<ref name="explorers2012">{{cite book|last1=Cantele|first1=Andi Marie|title=Explorer's Guide Connecticut|date=2012|publisher=The Countryman Press|isbn=9780881509595|page=226|edition=8th|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OYJJvjuG7SsC&pg=PA226&dq=%22litchfield+hills%22+colder&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjDqf_uxabMAhXFGT4KHa8tDm0Q6AEIHTAA#v=onepage&q=%22litchfield%20hills%22%20colder&f=false|accessdate=24 April 2016}}</ref> The Litchfield Hills, like the rest of Northwest Connecticut, are known for their town greens, fall foliage, and historical architecture. The hills comprise the southernmost portion of [[the Berkshires]]. This region also plays host to a large portion of the state's small vineyard and wine industry. Historically, the region was well known for the [[limestone]], [[iron]], and [[dairy]] industries.
The Litchfield hills are known for their distinct rural scenery, which can stand in contrast to central and southern Connecticut, which is largely urbanized or suburbanized. (However, there is some encroachment of development into the region as people from greater Hartford move west and people from [[New York City]], northern [[New Jersey]], and [[Gold Coast (Connecticut)|parts of Fairfield County]] move north.) This region is a key part of the [[Housatonic River]] and [[Farmington River]] watersheds, and encompasses a number of Connecticut's highest peaks, such as [[Bear Mountain (Connecticut)|Bear Mountain]] and Canaan Mountain. Most of the region comprises forested and rocky hills with farmland and small towns interspersed in the flatter areas. The terrain in the Litchfield Hills area varies from gently rolling to the south and east to more mountainous toward the north and west. The region generally experiences colder temperatures due to higher elevation.<ref name="explorers2012">{{Cite book |last=Cantele |first=Andi Marie |date=2012 |title=Explorer's Guide Connecticut |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OYJJvjuG7SsC&q=%22litchfield+hills%22+colder&pg=PA226 |edition=8th |location=Woodstock, Vt. |publisher=The Countryman Press |page=226 |isbn=9780881509595 |access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> The Litchfield Hills, like the rest of Northwest Connecticut, are known for their town greens, fall foliage, and historical architecture. The hills comprise the southernmost portion of [[the Berkshires]]. This region also plays host to a large portion of the state's small vineyard and wine industry. Historically, the region was well known for the [[limestone]], [[iron]], and [[dairy]] industries.


A unique term to the region is the word "[[Raggies|raggie]]". Used as an insult by some and with a sense of local pride by others, the term "raggie" denotes someone with a lower income and approximates the term "[[white trash]]". The term probably originated from iron workers from Mount Riga in Salisbury. These workers were often poor immigrants wore grubby clothes as a result of their work. After the iron works closed down, the workers moved to Norfolk, Winsted, and Torrington, and the name stuck. The term "raggie" is rarely, if ever, heard elsewhere.<ref name="registercitizen">{{cite web|url=http://registercitizen.com/articles/2009/10/11/news/doc4ad1599532606714137467.txt?viewmode=fullstory#photo1|title=What is a 'raggie'? Nickname's roots run deep in the Northwest Corner|publisher=registercitizen.com|accessdate=2015-09-01}}</ref>
A unique term to the region is the word "[[Raggies|raggie]]". Used as an insult by some and with a sense of local pride by others, the term "raggie" denotes someone with a lower income and approximates the term "[[white trash]]". The term probably originated from iron workers from Mount Riga in Salisbury. These workers were often poor immigrants who wore grubby clothes as a result of their work. After the iron works closed down, the workers moved to Norfolk, Winsted, and Torrington, and the name stuck. The term "raggie" is rarely, if ever, heard elsewhere.<ref name="registercitizen">{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alex |date=11 October 2009 |title=What is a 'raggie'? Nickname's roots run deep in the Northwest Corner |url=https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/What-is-a-raggie-Nickname-s-roots-run-deep-in-12094352.php |work=[[The Register Citizen]] |location=Torrington, CT |access-date=8 February 2024}}</ref>


==Subregions==
==Subregions==

===Northwestern Connecticut===
===Northwestern Connecticut===
[[Image:Litchfields.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|A scene from [[The Hotchkiss School]] in [[Salisbury, Connecticut|Salisbury]]]]
[[Image:Litchfields.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|A scene from [[The Hotchkiss School]] in [[Salisbury, Connecticut|Salisbury]]]]
⚫
The towns included in the Northwestern Connecticut region are: [[Canaan, Connecticut|Canaan]], [[Cornwall, Connecticut|Cornwall]], [[Kent, Connecticut|Kent]], [[North Canaan, Connecticut|North Canaan]], [[Roxbury, Connecticut|Roxbury]], [[Salisbury, Connecticut|Salisbury]], [[Sharon, Connecticut|Sharon]], [[Warren, Connecticut|Warren]], [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]]. Unlike the rest of Connecticut, the portion of Northwestern Connecticut around the upper [[Housatonic River]] contains more alkaline soils due to the underlying limestone. The flatter regions around the Housatonic River provide some of the best soils for farming in [[Litchfield County]]


⚫
The towns included in the Northwestern Connecticut region are: [[Canaan, Connecticut|Canaan]], [[Cornwall, Connecticut|Cornwall]], [[Kent, Connecticut|Kent]], [[North Canaan, Connecticut|North Canaan]], [[Roxbury, Connecticut|Roxbury]], [[Salisbury, Connecticut|Salisbury]], [[Sharon, Connecticut|Sharon]], [[Warren, Connecticut|Warren]], [[Washington, Connecticut|Washington]]. Unlike the rest of Connecticut, the portion of Northwestern Connecticut around the upper [[Housatonic River]] contains more alkaline soils due to the underlying limestone. The flatter regions around the Housatonic River provide some of the best soils for farming in [[Litchfield County]].
⚫
Due to the rural feel of the area, the region is an extremely popular location for second homes, primarily with New York City residents. The hills are rural enough to offer an escape from city life, yet close enough (less than 90 miles) to visit on weekends. Many visitors also arrive in the autumn to witness the fall foliage, and to visit the region's covered bridge or many waterfalls.


⚫
Due to the rural feel of the area, the region is an extremely popular location for second homes, primarily with New York City residents. The hills are rural enough to offer an escape from city life, yet close enough (less than 90 miles) to visit on weekends. Many visitors also arrive in the autumn to witness the fall foliage, and to visit the region's covered bridges or its many waterfalls.
⚫
The area has been and continues to be home to many famous or wealthy residents, including [[Mia Farrow]], [[Meryl Streep]], [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[Denis Leary]], [[Kevin Bacon]], {{cn-span|text=and is sometimes referred to as the Hamptons of Connecticut.|date=May 2019}} This region is very similar to portions of [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts]], which lies just to the north.


⚫
The area has been and continues to be home to many famous or wealthy residents, including [[Mia Farrow]], [[Meryl Streep]], [[Dustin Hoffman]], [[Denis Leary]], [[Kevin Bacon]], {{citation needed span|text=and is sometimes referred to as the Hamptons of Connecticut.|date=May 2019}} This region is very similar to portions of [[Berkshire County, Massachusetts]], which lies just to the north.
⚫
Northwestern Connecticut is known for its cultural activities, such as chamber performances at Music Mountain in [[Canaan, Connecticut|Canaan]] and a wide array of art galleries. The region is also home to [[University-preparatory school|preparatory schools]], such as the [[Hotchkiss School]], [[Kent School]], [[Marvelwood School]], and [[the Gunnery]].

⚫
Northwestern Connecticut is known for its cultural activities, such as chamber performances at Music Mountain in [[Canaan, Connecticut|Canaan]] and a wide array of art galleries. The region is also home to [[University-preparatory school|preparatory schools]], such as the [[Hotchkiss School]], [[Kent School]], [[Marvelwood School]], and [[The Gunnery]].


===Litchfield Hills===
===Litchfield Hills===
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}

The Litchfield Hills region is also known as the Upper Naugatuck Valley and consists of the towns of [[Barkhamsted, Connecticut|Barkhamsted]], [[Bethlehem, Connecticut|Bethlehem]], [[Colebrook, Connecticut|Colebrook]], [[Goshen, Connecticut|Goshen]], [[Hartland, Connecticut|Hartland]], [[Harwinton, Connecticut|Harwinton]], [[Litchfield, Connecticut|Litchfield]], [[Morris, Connecticut|Morris]], [[New Hartford, Connecticut|New Hartford]], [[Norfolk, Connecticut|Norfolk]], [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]], and [[Winchester, Connecticut|Winchester]]. The Litchfield Hills feel a stronger pull toward industry than Northwestern Connecticut, with manufacturing centering on the Naugatuck River in Torrington and Mad River in Winsted. Historically, [[brass]], [[Sewing needle|needles]], [[scythes]], and other products were manufactured in the area. However, the rural areas still retain industries such as [[dairy]], [[vineyards]], and [[Rock (geology)|stone]]. This region is sometimes included with the [[Naugatuck River Valley]].
The Litchfield Hills region is also known as the Upper Naugatuck Valley and consists of the towns of [[Barkhamsted, Connecticut|Barkhamsted]], [[Bethlehem, Connecticut|Bethlehem]], [[Colebrook, Connecticut|Colebrook]], [[Goshen, Connecticut|Goshen]], [[Hartland, Connecticut|Hartland]], [[Harwinton, Connecticut|Harwinton]], [[Litchfield, Connecticut|Litchfield]], [[Morris, Connecticut|Morris]], [[New Hartford, Connecticut|New Hartford]], [[Norfolk, Connecticut|Norfolk]], [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]], and [[Winchester, Connecticut|Winchester]]. The Litchfield Hills feel a stronger pull toward industry than Northwestern Connecticut, with manufacturing centering on the Naugatuck River in Torrington and Mad River in Winsted. Historically, [[brass]], [[Sewing needle|needles]], [[scythes]], and other products were manufactured in the area. However, the rural areas still retain industries such as [[dairy]], [[vineyards]], and [[Rock (geology)|stone]]. This region is sometimes included with the [[Naugatuck River Valley]].


Originally settled in the mid 18th century as agriculturally based towns, the areas with access to flowing water began to develop industries in the 19th century. As the [[Midwest]] opened up to settlement, many farmers headed west in search of better farming opportunities. Among these included the [[John Brown (abolitionist)|John Brown]] family, originally from [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]]. Some notable areas settled by people from the Litchfield Hills include the [[Western Reserve]] of [[Ohio]] and [[Torrington, Wyoming]]. Around the time industry became important in the area, many immigrants came to work in the factories. Many of the immigrants in the Litchfield Hills area came from [[Italy]], [[Ireland]], [[Lebanon]], [[Poland]], and [[Slovakia]]. Later in the 20th century, many of these industries declined or relocated, producing conditions similar to the [[Midwestern]] [[rust belt]], but on a smaller scale. Today, [[tourism]] remains an important industry for the Litchfield Hills.
Originally settled in the mid 18th century as agriculturally based towns, the areas with access to flowing water began to develop industries in the 19th century. As the [[Midwest]] opened up to settlement, many farmers headed west in search of better farming opportunities. Among these included the [[John Brown (abolitionist)|John Brown]] family, originally from [[Torrington, Connecticut|Torrington]]. Some notable areas settled by people from the Litchfield Hills include the [[Western Reserve]] of [[Ohio]] and [[Torrington, Wyoming]]. Around the time industry became important in the area, many immigrants came to work in the factories. Many of the immigrants in the Litchfield Hills area came from Italy, Ireland, [[Lebanon]], Poland, and [[Slovakia]]. Later in the 20th century, many of these industries declined or relocated, producing conditions similar to the [[Midwestern]] [[rust belt]], but on a smaller scale. Today, [[tourism]] remains an important industry for the Litchfield Hills.


The eastern towns, including [[Hartland, Connecticut|Hartland]], [[Barkhamsted, Connecticut|Barkhamsted]], and [[New Hartford, Connecticut|New Hartford]] contain large water supply [[reservoirs]] to the city of [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]].
The eastern towns, including [[Hartland, Connecticut|Hartland]], Barkhamsted, and [[New Hartford, Connecticut|New Hartford]] contain large water supply [[reservoirs]] to the city of [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]].


Culturally, the Litchfield Hills are politically more [[conservative]] than the rest of Connecticut, with [[Litchfield County]] being the only county in the state to vote for [[George W. Bush]] in the 2004 election. The region contains its own section in the [[Waterbury Republican-American]], which covers local events and news. The region is also split between allegiance to the [[New York Yankees]] and [[Boston Red Sox]], with the southwestern part of the region generally supporting the Yankees and northeastern part of the region generally supporting the Red Sox.
Culturally, the Litchfield Hills are politically more [[conservative]] than the rest of Connecticut, with [[Litchfield County]] being the only county in the state to vote for [[George W. Bush]] in the [[2004 United States presidential election|2004 election]]. The region contains its own section in the Waterbury ''[[Republican-American]]'', which covers local events and news. The region is also split between allegiance to the [[New York Yankees]] and [[Boston Red Sox]], with the southwestern part of the region generally supporting the Yankees and northeastern part of the region generally supporting the Red Sox.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
{{Div col}}
⚫
*[[Ethan Allen]], Revolutionary War hero and leader of the [[Vermont Republic]]
*[[Ira Allen]], leader of the [[Vermont Republic]]
* [[Ethan Allen]], Revolutionary War hero and leader of the [[Vermont Republic]]
⚫
* [[Ira Allen]], leader of the Vermont Republic
⚫
*[[Henry Ward Beecher]], Congregational minister and abolitionist
*[[Lyman Beecher]], Congregational minister
* [[Henry Ward Beecher]], [[Congregational church|Congregational]] minister and abolitionist
⚫
* [[Lyman Beecher]], Congregational minister
*[[John Brown (abolitionist)|John Brown]], abolitionist
* [[John Brown (abolitionist)|John Brown]], abolitionist
*[[Lorenzo Carter]], pioneer in the [[Western Reserve]]
* [[Lorenzo Carter (settler)|Lorenzo Carter]], pioneer in the [[Western Reserve]]
*[[Thomas Chittenden]], governor of [[Vermont]]
* [[Thomas Chittenden]], governor of [[Vermont]]
*[[Jonathan Edwards (the younger)]], Congregational minister, Native American linguist, and abolitionist
*[[Charles Finney]], Presbyterian minister and revivalist
* [[Jonathan Edwards (the younger)]], Congregational minister, Native American linguist, and abolitionist
* [[Charles Finney]], Presbyterian minister and revivalist
*[[Madeleine L'Engle]], author
* [[Madeleine L'Engle]], author
*[[Elam Luddington]], Mormon missionary
* [[Elam Luddington]], Mormon missionary
*[[Seth MacFarlane]], cartoonist
*[[Michael J. McGivney]], founder of the [[Knights of Columbus]]
* [[Seth MacFarlane]], cartoonist
* [[Michael J. McGivney]], founder of the [[Knights of Columbus]]
* [[Charles B. McVay III|Admiral Charles B. McVay III]], captain of the {{USS|Indianapolis|CA-35}} at the end of [[World War II]]
*[[Samuel John Mills]], [[Congregational]] missionary
* [[Samuel John Mills]], Congregational missionary
*[[Ralph Nader]], politician
* [[Ralph Nader]], politician
*[[Henry Obookiah]], Hawaiian native instrumental in founding the [[Foreign Mission School]]
* [[Henry Obookiah]], Hawaiian native instrumental in founding the [[Foreign Mission School]]
*[[Tapping Reeve]], lawyer and educator
* [[Tapping Reeve]], lawyer and educator
*[[Thomas Robbins (minister)|Thomas Robbins]], Congregationalist minister and librarian
* [[Thomas Robbins (minister)|Thomas Robbins]], Congregational minister and librarian
*[[John Sedgwick]], Civil War commander
* [[John Sedgwick]], Civil War commander
*[[Harriet Beecher Stowe]], writer and abolitionist
* [[Harriet Beecher Stowe]], writer and abolitionist
⚫
*[[Oliver Wolcott]], politician
* [[Sergio Troncoso]], novelist of Kent-inspired ''Nobody's Pilgrims''
⚫
* [[Oliver Wolcott]], politician
{{Div col end}}


==See also==
==See also==
⚫
* [[The Berkshires]]
*[[Connecticut Wine Trail]]
⚫
* [[Connecticut Wine Trail]]
⚫
*[[The Berkshires]]
*[[Naugatuck River Valley]]
* [[Naugatuck River Valley]]


==References==
==References==
Line 86: Line 95:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.berkshirehiking.com Hiking/outdoor activity information for Berkshire Mountains, Hudson Valley, and Litchfield Hills]
* [http://www.berkshirehiking.com Hiking/outdoor activity information for Berkshire Mountains, Hudson Valley, and Litchfield Hills]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060714180353/http://www.litchfieldhills.com/app/index.jsp Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060714180353/http://www.litchfieldhills.com/app/index.jsp Northwest Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau]
*[http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/wherewework/highlands/ Conservation Efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Region]
* [http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/wherewework/highlands/ Conservation Efforts in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands Region]


{{Connecticut}}
{{Connecticut}}
{{Authority control}}


⚫
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Litchfield County, Connecticut]]
⚫
[[Category:Regions of Connecticut]]
⚫
[[Category:Geography of Litchfield County, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Litchfield Hills| ]]
[[Category:Litchfield Hills| ]]
⚫
[[Category:Geography of Litchfield County, Connecticut]]
⚫
[[Category:Regions of Connecticut]]
⚫
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Litchfield County, Connecticut]]

Latest revision as of 17:26, 2 December 2024

For the planning region and council of governments, see Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut.
"Western Connecticut Highlands" and "Greater Torrington" redirect here. For the Connecticut wine region, see Western Connecticut Highlands AVA. For the town in Devon, England, see Great Torrington.
Map of Connecticut showing the Northwest Connecticut region in green and the Litchfield Hills region in blue

The Litchfield Hills (also known as the Northwest Hills or Northwest Highlands) are a geographic region of the U.S. state of Connecticut located in the northwestern corner of the state. It is roughly coterminous with the boundaries of Litchfield County, for which it is named. The geographic region includes colloquial subregions—rural Northwestern Connecticut and the area associated with the city of Torrington, also known as the Upper Naugatuck River Valley or simply Litchfield Hills—which have also variously corresponded to designated government councils both past and present. Much of the area makes up the lowermost section of the Berkshires and is culturally similar to the rest of western New England.

Towns and cities

[edit]

Characteristics

[edit]

The Litchfield hills are known for their distinct rural scenery, which can stand in contrast to central and southern Connecticut, which is largely urbanized or suburbanized. (However, there is some encroachment of development into the region as people from greater Hartford move west and people from New York City, northern New Jersey, and parts of Fairfield County move north.) This region is a key part of the Housatonic River and Farmington River watersheds, and encompasses a number of Connecticut's highest peaks, such as Bear Mountain and Canaan Mountain. Most of the region comprises forested and rocky hills with farmland and small towns interspersed in the flatter areas. The terrain in the Litchfield Hills area varies from gently rolling to the south and east to more mountainous toward the north and west. The region generally experiences colder temperatures due to higher elevation.[1] The Litchfield Hills, like the rest of Northwest Connecticut, are known for their town greens, fall foliage, and historical architecture. The hills comprise the southernmost portion of the Berkshires. This region also plays host to a large portion of the state's small vineyard and wine industry. Historically, the region was well known for the limestone, iron, and dairy industries.

A unique term to the region is the word "raggie". Used as an insult by some and with a sense of local pride by others, the term "raggie" denotes someone with a lower income and approximates the term "white trash". The term probably originated from iron workers from Mount Riga in Salisbury. These workers were often poor immigrants who wore grubby clothes as a result of their work. After the iron works closed down, the workers moved to Norfolk, Winsted, and Torrington, and the name stuck. The term "raggie" is rarely, if ever, heard elsewhere.[2]

Subregions

[edit]

Northwestern Connecticut

[edit]
A scene from The Hotchkiss School in Salisbury

The towns included in the Northwestern Connecticut region are: Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Warren, Washington. Unlike the rest of Connecticut, the portion of Northwestern Connecticut around the upper Housatonic River contains more alkaline soils due to the underlying limestone. The flatter regions around the Housatonic River provide some of the best soils for farming in Litchfield County.

Due to the rural feel of the area, the region is an extremely popular location for second homes, primarily with New York City residents. The hills are rural enough to offer an escape from city life, yet close enough (less than 90 miles) to visit on weekends. Many visitors also arrive in the autumn to witness the fall foliage, and to visit the region's covered bridges or its many waterfalls.

The area has been and continues to be home to many famous or wealthy residents, including Mia Farrow, Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman, Denis Leary, Kevin Bacon, and is sometimes referred to as the Hamptons of Connecticut.[citation needed] This region is very similar to portions of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, which lies just to the north.

Northwestern Connecticut is known for its cultural activities, such as chamber performances at Music Mountain in Canaan and a wide array of art galleries. The region is also home to preparatory schools, such as the Hotchkiss School, Kent School, Marvelwood School, and The Gunnery.

Litchfield Hills

[edit]

The Litchfield Hills region is also known as the Upper Naugatuck Valley and consists of the towns of Barkhamsted, Bethlehem, Colebrook, Goshen, Hartland, Harwinton, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, Torrington, and Winchester. The Litchfield Hills feel a stronger pull toward industry than Northwestern Connecticut, with manufacturing centering on the Naugatuck River in Torrington and Mad River in Winsted. Historically, brass, needles, scythes, and other products were manufactured in the area. However, the rural areas still retain industries such as dairy, vineyards, and stone. This region is sometimes included with the Naugatuck River Valley.

Originally settled in the mid 18th century as agriculturally based towns, the areas with access to flowing water began to develop industries in the 19th century. As the Midwest opened up to settlement, many farmers headed west in search of better farming opportunities. Among these included the John Brown family, originally from Torrington. Some notable areas settled by people from the Litchfield Hills include the Western Reserve of Ohio and Torrington, Wyoming. Around the time industry became important in the area, many immigrants came to work in the factories. Many of the immigrants in the Litchfield Hills area came from Italy, Ireland, Lebanon, Poland, and Slovakia. Later in the 20th century, many of these industries declined or relocated, producing conditions similar to the Midwestern rust belt, but on a smaller scale. Today, tourism remains an important industry for the Litchfield Hills.

The eastern towns, including Hartland, Barkhamsted, and New Hartford contain large water supply reservoirs to the city of Hartford.

Culturally, the Litchfield Hills are politically more conservative than the rest of Connecticut, with Litchfield County being the only county in the state to vote for George W. Bush in the 2004 election. The region contains its own section in the Waterbury Republican-American, which covers local events and news. The region is also split between allegiance to the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, with the southwestern part of the region generally supporting the Yankees and northeastern part of the region generally supporting the Red Sox.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cantele, Andi Marie (2012). Explorer's Guide Connecticut (8th ed.). Woodstock, Vt.: The Countryman Press. p. 226. ISBN 9780881509595. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  2. ^ Taylor, Alex (11 October 2009). "What is a 'raggie'? Nickname's roots run deep in the Northwest Corner". The Register Citizen. Torrington, CT. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
[edit]
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