The Town of Wilton preserving its past for the future
Wilton is a rural residential town rich in New England history. The first written records of the areas that are now Wilton date back to 1640, when Roger Ludlow and his friends purchased land from the Indians between the Norwalk and Saugatuck Rivers and "a day's walk into the country." This land was called Norwalk.
The first settlers, called the Proprietors, arrived in Norwalk in 1651 and owned 50,000 acres in common. On the outskirts of Norwalk's settled area, the Proprietors were allowed private ownership of acreage in a common planting field, but cattle, sheep, and hogs were grazed in a communal pasture area. The outer limit of this pasture approximates Wilton's present southern boundary.
By the end of the seventeenth century, the Norwalk Proprietors began to sell off the northern lands for settlement. The first non-Indian settlements in what is now Wilton were in the fertile lands of the Norwalk River valley, and on the ridges of Belden Hill, Chestnut Hill, and Ridgefield Road. In order to till the lands, the settlers had to clear the forests and remove hundreds of glacial rocks, which became the stone boundary walls that we treasure today.
The families who bought land in Wilton did not have their own church and were required to attend service in Norwalk each Sunday. When demand for Wilton lands increased in the early 1700's, the Proprietors realized that the land would be worth more if Wilton settlers did not have to make such a long trek each week.
By 1725 there were forty families living in Wilton who wanted their own meetinghouse. Therefore, in 1726, with the approval of both the Proprietors and the Wilton settlers, a petition to the General Court in Hartford created Wilton Parish, "a village enjoying parish privileges" but still part of the town of Norwalk. A copy of the petition is framed and on display in the Town Hall.
The Wilton Parish, organized as an ecclesiastical society, dealt with many problems of a secular nature as well. It dealt with such things as communal flocks, pounds for animals, and the regulation of the trades and taverns. The state of the roads was a constant source of comment in the society meeting, as was the inevitable subject of taxation. Although the village parish did not have the right to send a representative to the state legislature, it did have complete charge of both local education and military training. The first minister, Mr. Robert Sturgeon, was also Wilton's first schoolmaster.
As soon as the first meetinghouse was built in 1726, Wilton had a "center" of town, although other areas such as Belden Hill, Drum Hill, Pimpewaug and Chestnut Hill had already been settled by self-sufficient farmers. By 1738 the first meetinghouse had become too small, and a second was built on the corner of Sharp Hill Road. Less than sixty years later, this second meeting house had fallen into such disrepair that a third church was built in 1790 on Ridgefield Road where it still stands as the oldest church building in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
During the Revolutionary War, a surprisingly large number of over 300 men from Wilton served in a military unit. The War came to Wilton briefly in 1777 when the British had to retreat through the village after their invasion of Danbury. Although several Wilton houses were set afire, none were destroyed since the retreat was too rapid. About fifty-two Revolutionary veteran graves are still identifiable in Wilton cemeteries.
In 1802, despite Norwalk's objections, the people of Wilton sought and were granted separate Town government status by an act of the Connecticut General Assembly. The town chose the traditional New England Town Meeting-Selectmen form of government, which has been retained to this day.
In the nineteenth century, education became the responsibility of the school societies of nine separate school districts in Wilton. In addition, many Wilton children and those of well-to-do families of Norwalk and Stamford attended five private schools and academies in Wilton.
Wilton's population grew slowly from 1,728 in 1810 to 2,208 in 1860. Most of the land was farmland used for dairy herds, horses, or marketable crops. Farmers found their yield from the rocky soil to be very low at the same time that midwestern produce, made readily available by the railroads, began to compete with homegrown products, home industry expanded.
Industries such as shoemaking, shirt making, carriage building, and distilleries were common. Mills of various types were built along the streams and the Gilbert and Bennett Manufacturing Co. began producing wire sieves in 1834.
During the years prior to the Civil War, the antislavery movement was strong in town, and Wilton served as one of the stops on the Underground Railroad, a loosely organized escape route to Canada for runaway slaves. The Civil War itself, however, had little impact on Wilton, except that the continued success of local businesses was due largely to the demands of the war effort.
The coming of the railroad in 1852 did not bring many advantages to a community of home industry and farming; instead it offered easy access to the bountiful western lands. After the Civil War, Wilton's population declined as cities grew, industrialization increased, the market for home products dropped, and farms were abandoned. About 30% of the population was lost between 1860 and 1900. By 1900, the census showed only 1,598 people living in Wilton.
Today Wilton is grateful for this long dormant period in its history because it saved many of the eighteenth and nineteenth century homes from demolition and suburban development. Beginning in the 1910's, abandoned farms were discovered by New Yorkers for summer homes and in the 1930's, there were noticeable stresses at Town Meetings between the "old-timers" and the "new people." The community was changing from agricultural to one of commuters.
Town of Wilton’s Annual Townwide Cleanup Day Sponsored by the Wilton Conservation Commission Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call to Action for Wilton’s Annual Townwide Cleanup Day! The Wilton Conservation Commission is…
Read More »Commercial Blight-Proposed Legislation. Many of you have complained about the peeling paint on the buildings at the intersection of Danbury and Ridgefield Roads and issues with a building farther south on Danbury Rd. The Town has not been able to…
Read More »Change Yor Clock, Change Your Battery “Spring Ahead”! This weekend you will be turning your clocks ahead one hour for the start of daylight savings time. Sunday, March 12th, is the big day. When you do turn ahead your clocks remember to…
Read More »POSITION:Land Use Departments Clerk (Part Time) UNION: None DEPARTMENT: Land Use Departments REPORTS TO: Director of Planning and Land Use Management SUPERVISES: None SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Responsible for performing a variety of…
Read More »Land Use Departments Clerk (Part-Time) The Town of Wilton seeks a Land Use Departments Clerk on a part-time basis (approximately 19 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). This position is responsible for providing a variety of secretarial,…
Read More »POSITION:Senior Civil Engineer UNION: None DEPARTMENT: Public Works REPORTS TO: Director of Public Works/Town Engineer & Assistant Director of Public Works/Facility Manager SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As Required by Director of Public…
Read More »POSITION POSTING Department of Public Works – Senior Civil Engineer 03/03/2023 The Town of Wilton is seeking applicants for the non-union, professional position of Senior Civil Engineer in the Department of Public Works funded up to three…
Read More »The Wilton Senior Newsletter is out now. Please click here. The Newsletter will be mailed to registered votes over the age of 70. You can pick up a copy at the center tomorrow. Any questions or RSVP's please call…
Read More »Development Activity 12 Godfrey Place, 4 story, 32-unit. 10% affordable apartment building. The applicant pulled the application on Monday afternoon in anticipation of a denial by the Planning & Zoning Commission that same…
Read More »Just a reminder that the 2pm Tai Ji Quan classes with Tracy are canceled Monday, February 27th and Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Class will resume on Monday, March 6th. Please call the Wilton Senior Center at 203-834-6240 if you have any questions.…
Read More »Click Here To view About The Town of Wilton -Request for Proposals (RFP) for Unleaded Gasoline, Diesel Fuel And #2 Heating…
Read More »Wilton Health Department Recognized for Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic In celebration of National Public Health Workers Day, Governor Ned Lamont recently recognized the Wilton Health Department for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic.…
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About Town of Wilton : Request for Qualifications - Proposals for Turf Athletic Field and Seasonal Sports Bubble Feasibility…
Read More »Click here to View More Information About Town of Wilton News - Deputy Public Health Director/Sanitarian Job…
Read More »The First Selectwoman’s recommended FY2024 Budget was submitted to the Board of Selectmen at last night’s meeting. The budget reflects the cumulative efforts of the various town departments to provide the quality of services residents…
Read More »Wilton Webinar: Helping Families Navigate Mental Health & Suicide Conversations with Kids Recording Please see the attached resources and recording of the "Helping Families Navigate Mental Health & Suicide Conversations with Kids" webinar.…
Read More »Click Here to view the Town Of Wilton : 'Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire'
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Town of Wilton Job Description - Tax Collector
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Town of Wilton News - Wilton Parks and Recreation to RollOut New Recreation Management…
Read More »January 2023-First Selectwoman’s Update Development Activity - 12 Godfrey Place, 34-unit multi-family project. At their last meeting, the Planning & Zoning Commission heard from the applicant, the public and closed the hearing to…
Read More »Tuesday January 24th 3 pm Stay at Home in Wilton Presents: How to Become a Savvy Food Shopper Stay at Home in Wilton Presents: How to Become a Savvy Food Shopper Looking for ways to improve your diet in the new year? Join us for a dynamic…
Read More »We are pleased to announce Connecticut Department of Transportation's (CT DOT) written confirmation of their approval of a new lease agreement with the Town for the state-owned land at Allen’s Meadow which allows for the following not…
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About Town of Wilton : Posting Building Monitor - Part…
Read More »Click Here to View the Information About Town Of Wilton : Announces Food ScrapsRecycling Pilot…
Read More »Mail Theft and Check Washing The Wilton Police Department would like to warn residents to avoid putting outgoing payment checks in their mailboxes. We are experiencing an uptick in "Check Washing", wherein a check is stolen from a residents…
Read More »Wilton Chief of Police John Lynch announced his intention to retire as of February 1st. The announcement follows nearly thirty-eight years of service to the Wilton community, including six as Chief. First Selectwoman Lynne Vanderslice thanked…
Read More »Woodcock Nature Center is offering an interactive demonstration to educate about habitats, feeding and the impact of human interaction & behavior on wildlife! Educator and Animal Curator, Jennifer Bradshaw, will bring both native and exotic live…
Read More »Town of Wilton Seeks Vietnam Veterans for Upcoming Recognition Ceremony Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz is planning to hold a Vietnam Veterans recognition ceremony in Wilton for all veterans from any branch of the services who were on active…
Read More »ASSESSOR The Town of Wilton seeks to hire an Assessor, a highly responsible position reporting to the Town Administrator. The Assessor oversees all of the activities and statutory functions handled by the Assessor’s Office. Work involves the…
Read More »Frequently Asked Questions When is my January 1 Tax Bill Due? January 31st. Taxes may easily be paid online. If mailed, the postmark must be January 31st or earlier. Why are Wilton Real Estate Taxes Higher Than Our Neighbors? They…
Read More »I am pleased to share, through the advocacy of Congressman Jim Himes, Wilton was awarded a $1.425 million Member-Directed Community Project Grant for the much-needed enhancements to the storm mitigation and drainage system surrounding the Wilton…
Read More »Click Here To View The Town of Wilton - Request For Proposals For 5.5 Ton - Hopper Hot Asphalt Box
Read More »January-February Newsletter and reminder of senior center office hours The January-February newsletter is out, Click here! We are not mailing this edition of the newsletter. A paper copy can be picked up at the center next week. If you wish to…
Read More »Advocates: DesegregateCT, a pro-housing coalition, has signaled they will again advocate for state legislation requiring as of right overall average density of 15 units per acre in an area within a half-mile of a train station with, among others, a…
Read More »POSITION TITLE: Assistant Sanitarian UNION: AFSCME 1303-160 DEPARTMENT: Health REPORTS TO: Health Director/Sanitarian SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Assists the Health Director/Sanitarian in the operation of the…
Read More »Wilton’s Health Department seeks an Assistant Sanitarian to support the Health Director/Sanitarian in the operation of the Department and acts for the Sanitarian in his/he absence. Performs inspections, plan reviews, and code enforcement…
Read More »There will be no Strength Training with Lisa today, Monday December 5th. Class will resume Wednesday December 7th. For any questions please call 203-834-6240 or email…
Read More »Summary Description Of Duties: Performs all administrative and clerical duties for the Director of Planning and Land Use Management/Town Planner, Assistant Town Planner, and Zoning Enforcement Officer. Work involves preparation of materials for…
Read More »The Town Green Menorah Lighting is on December 19th. Apologies for the typo in the earlier emailed Update.
Read More »November 2022-First Selectwoman’s Update FY2022 Actual Board of Selectmen (BOS) Operating and Revenue Results. Subject to the completion of the FY2022 audit, the BOS results were approximately $760,000 favorable to budget. Wage and…
Read More »The Police Department and Department of Social Services have teamed up again this holiday season to transform the Absentee Ballot box into a local Santa’s Mailbox. Starting Saturday, December 3rd through December 18th, Wilton children can…
Read More »Verizon will perform a second red balloon float on Friday, December 2nd. The second float allows residents to determine any possible impact now that the leaves are gone from the trees. The second float also allows Verizon to take photos from…
Read More »The Board of Education is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the Board. Interested candidates must be registered voters and are required to submit a resume and written answer to questions. For more information, please click on this link:…
Read More »Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Architectural/Engineering Services Middlebrook School HVAC Upgrades Bid Number: 2022-14 Start / End Dates & Times: 11/18/2022 - 8:30am to 12/20/2022 - 2:00pm Bid: Open Click here for More…
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Read More »Join the Wilton High School HEAL Service Group, Thursday November 10th, in the Wilton Youth Services office from 3:30 – 4:30 for walk-in appointments to have your technology-related questions addressed. After which, the group hopes to provide…
Read More »Additional Update-Proposed Verizon Cell Tower at the Bus Barn On November 2nd representatives from Verizon held a public information session on the proposed cell tower at the Bus Barn on School Road. Mapping was shared which reflected…
Read More »Sustainable CT has awarded The Town of Wilton, CT silver-level certification. This year, only 8 CT municipalities received silver-level certification, the highest level of certification currently offered. Sustainable CT is a statewide initiative…
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Job Description for Assessor
Read More »Public Information Session-Proposed Cell Tower on School Road at the Bus Barn. On Wednesday, November 2nd, Verizon will hold an informational session for their proposed cell tower at the Bus Barn on School Road. Verizon officials will also answer…
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Financial Assistance with Energy Costs Available for Eligible…
Read More »Cooking for 1 rescheduled from Wednesday October 26th to Friday November 18th The Cooking for One program offered by RVNA Health will be rescheduled from Wednesday October 26th at noon to Friday November 18th at Noon. Any questions or to sign up…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About Wilton Senior Center Newsletter : November-December…
Read More »The Town of Wilton is hosting a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt starting Friday, October 14th and running through Monday, October 31st. A great activity to do with your children, pull up the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt webform on your mobile device and try…
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Read More »Reminder: Flu Clinic this Friday 10:00-11:30 at Wilton Senior Center Date:Friday October 14 ,2022 Time:10:00-11:30 Location:Comstock Senior Center 180 School Rd, Wilton CT 06897 Insurances Accepted:Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue…
Read More »Early Days of Rock and Roll Wednesday October 12th 11:00 Join us Tomorrow discussing the Early Days of Rock and Roll! Teenagers in the 1950s loved the new sound which really was an old sound. Rhythm and Blues. The older…
Read More »Pursuant to Section 12-40 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Town of Wilton hereby notifies all persons liable to pay personal property taxes on tangible personal property owned on the assessment date of October 1, 2022, to file a personal…
Read More »Welcome to Town Administrator Matt Knickerbocker. Matt, Wilton’s first Town Administrator joined us on September 7th. As Town Administrator, Matt is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Town’s non public safety departments.…
Read More »The Town of Wilton’s Building Department is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Building Official. The position is responsible for the administration and enforcement of local codes, ordinances, and the Connecticut State Building…
Read More »Under the State’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program, businesses donating to meaningful, state approved Wilton projects can receive 2022 state tax credits of up to 100% of their donation. Registration of donations ends on October…
Read More »Instructor, Peter Engstrom, USPTA Certified Instructor, and Author of: ‘Playing Smarter Tennis: Tips to Win More Points & Have More Fun will be hosting a live in person Playing Smarter Tennis Demonstration Peter will be sharing valuable…
Read More »POSITION POSTING SEASONAL DRIVER Wilton’s Department of Public Works is seeking Seasonal Drivers to plow and sand all Town maintained roads during the winter months. Requirements: - CT Class B CDL driver’s license preferred. -…
Read More »On Sunday September 11th the CT United Ride, supporting first responders and their families from 9/11, will be traveling through Town. They will begin on Westport Rd (Rt. 33) at the Westport Town Line and will continue toward Danbury Rd (Rt. 7).…
Read More »August & July 2022-First Selectwoman’s Update With almost half of Wilton households having children back in the Wilton Public Schools this week, it is certainly feels like summer is over. Hope everyone had a good one. Stage 2…
Read More »Fire Commission Chairperson J. Casey Healy announces the hiring of Michael Baumblatt and Zachary Terenzio as Wilton’s newest probationary firefighters, effective August 15, 2022. Firefighters Baumblatt and Terenzio were sworn in Monday at Fire…
Read More »This year’s Household Hazardous Waste Day will be a joint event sponsored by Town of Wilton, Town of Weston and the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRAA). The event will be held at Hurlbutt Elementary School, 9 School Road, Weston…
Read More »Property and mortgage fraud has increased across the country, with scammers recording false documents against property owners. Recent news reports included the sale of a property in Newtown without the owner’s permission. In a proactive effort…
Read More »Click Here to view the Wilton Senior Center Newsletter - September-October 2022
Read More »Both suspected overdoses and deaths due to overdoses continue to rise with annual double-digit rates of increase. There were 1,531 Connecticut confirmed deaths in 2021, an increase of 11.4% versus 2020 and an increase of 27.7% versus 2019. The…
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About Town of Wilton News: Posting and Position Description - Assessor…
Read More »Click here to View the Information About Town of Wilton : 2022 Paving Status as of August 18,…
Read More »Our Fall and Winter Brochure is Available to View! You can now view our 2022 Fall Winter brochure by selecting "2022 Fall Winter Brochure" on the left hand side of our homepage. For any questions regarding programs or events please reach out to…
Read More »The Town of Wilton’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a summer concert on Sunday, August 21st with the Tom Duffy Band (TDB). The concert will be held at Merwin Meadows from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The band shared “TDB band’s…
Read More »At their August 16th Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board appointed Matthew (Matt) Knickerbocker as the Town’s first Town Administrator for a three-year term effective September 7, 2022. Matt’s appointment followed a multi-month search…
Read More »Hurlbutt St closed between Skunk Ln and Cannon Rd until further notice due to Motor Vehicle Accident.
Read More »Click Here To View The Native Plants For Pollinators Proclamation Day To Celebrate One Non-Residential And Non-Municipal Organization’s Garden or Plantings August 9,…
Read More »The Town of Wilton’s Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position of Administrative Secretary to perform a variety of administrative duties for the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal (collectively…
Read More »Effective Friday, July 22nd, Merwin Meadows Park and Wilton athletic fields with the exception of Miller Driscoll, Gilbert & Bennett and Post fields will be equipped with an Earth Networks lightning detection system to assist with the protection…
Read More »Please click here to view update on the Aquarion/Eversource Pipeline Project on Route…
Read More »Zumba with Beatriz is cancelled Monday, July 11th. Zumba will resume on Monday. July 18th at 11:00 am.
Please call the Senior Center at 203-834-6240 with any questions.
Read More »Click here to Read More About Assistant Director of Public Works/Facility Manager - Posting and Position…
Read More »July 1 tax bills are now viewable online and should begin to arrive in mailboxes. Taxes are assessed based on values as of October 1, 2021 and the 28.2289 mill rate adopted at the recent Annual Town Meeting in May. The mill rate represented an…
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Read More »Click Here To View Town of Wilton - Notice of Republican Primary
Read More »Click Here to view the Town Of Wilton Newsletter - July- August 2022
Read More »New Turf Field? At this week’s June 21st meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved funding to evaluate town-owned fields at Allen’s Meadow for installation of a non-crumb rubber infill turf field with a commitment to recommend…
Read More »Click Here To View The Town of Wilton - Department Of Public Works - Driver - Posting And Position…
Read More »Click here to Read More About Town of Wilton News - June 15, 2022
Read More »Click here to View More About Town of Wilton Paving Status - June 8, 2022
Read More »The Town of Wilton is seeking applicants for the position of Manager of Financial Systems and Payroll in the Finance Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing a variety of duties as assigned by the Chief Financial…
Read More »Memorial Day Observance New to town? There are many ways to observe Memorial Day in Wilton. 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Road. 10:00 a.m. Memorial Day Parade through Wilton…
Read More »Merwin Meadows, will be opening for the summer season on Saturday, May 28th. Join your neighbors for an open house weekend where Wilton residents can enjoy all that Merwin Meadows has to offer – swimming pond, beach, picnic tables and grills,…
Read More »On Wednesday June 8th at 12:30 come join us with Author Peter Engstrom and learn the FUNdamentals of Tennis. What better time of the year to brush up on old skills or learn some new ones! There is a wealth of tennis instruction available that…
Read More »POSITION POSTING Assistant Director of Public Works The Town of Wilton is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Public Works. The successful candidate will assist the Director of Public Works in the management of all…
Read More »TOWN OF WILTON - 2022 ROAD PAVING STATUS OF 5/13/2022 The following roads are part of the proposed 2022 Calendar Year Paving program. Roads under "Roads in Progress" column indicates that drainage improvements began. Please follow our paving…
Read More »Strength Training with Lisa will now be on an additional day! Starting Wednesday May 18th, Strength Training with Lisa will now be held Wednesdays 9:30-10:15 in our Dance Studio. Lisa also teaches this class Mondays at 12:10. Each class is free!…
Read More »It’s really a man’s world according to the bookers and talent agents but some women did manage to open the door with Phyllis Diller credited to be the first real woman standup comic. Women were held back. But there were others before her…
Read More »General requirements -Mechanical Checklist form with zoning application and -Survey -Contact Wetlands 203-563-0180 and Zoning 203-563-0186 to find out the setback requirements. Email the Building Department [email protected] …
Read More »Click Here to view the Town Of Wilton Environmental Affairs - Summer Intern - Position Description
Read More »The e-trak registration software is being updated as of Sunday, May 1st. Your user name has been changed to the email address you use for registration. The e-trak url address is now CLICK HERE. Please remember to change your bookmark. The old…
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