The original North Stonington was named Jefferson until the General Assembly decided on the current name. The township of North Stonington contained numerous districts and settlements, each with its own character, schools, post offices, churches, and stores. Early 1800's industries featured gristmills, sawmills, fulling mills, a cotton mill, and a woolen mill which were powered by the Shunoc and Assekonk Rivers.By 1840, more residences, a tannery, and a trip hammer (iron works) were located in the Milltown section of Town. Woolen goods were the Town's major products through the mid 19th century, however, fine silk and satin clothes, fur muffs, satin hats, fine wools, thread lace, English carpets, and china tea sets became noted North Stonington merchandise.The Civil War and the industrial revolution ended the Town's cottage industries, and the Town became primarily agricultural, a character it retains to this day.