Brief History of Thomaston:

Thomaston, Connecticut, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries, beginning with its settlement in the 1600s. In 1657, a hunting party from Farmington, ventured into the Naugatuck Valley, becoming the first Europeans to see the area. They discovered what they believed to be a lead mine, a spot still known today as Lead Mine Brook. While no wealth came from this discovery, it sparked further interest in the region.

The first known settler in the region was Henry Cook, around 1727. By the late 1730s, the community had grown to 14 families; and by 1739, they formed the Northbury Parish, independent from the nearby towns of Watertown and Waterbury. Over the next few decades, as the settlement grew, the town underwent multiple divisions; by 1795 the area became known as Plymouth Hollow, and would eventually become Thomaston.

The most significant turning point in Thomaston’s history came in the early 19th century with the arrival of Eli Terry, a clockmaker. Terry invented a system for mass-producing clock gears, revolutionizing the clockmaking industry. In 1813, Seth Thomas, a prominent clockmaker from the region, bought a mill in Plymouth Hollow and established the Seth Thomas Clock Company. The company would grow rapidly, with Thomas continuing to purchase property and expand his operations. Due to the success of Seth Thomas, Plymouth Hollow fully incorporated as its own town in 1875…becoming forever known as Thomaston (Thomas Town).

Throughout the 20th century, Thomaston’s industrial sector continued to thrive, with Seth Thomas Clock Company at its core. New industries included the Thomaston Knife Company, Plume & Atwood, and the Hallden Machine Company. Downtown continued to transform with the addition of the Town Hall, Opera House, American Hall and Morse Block.

Today, Thomaston remains a center for small and medium-sized manufacturing, with the original clock factory now serving as a thriving industrial park. The town’s natural features, including the Naugatuck River and several brooks, have shaped its development. Thomaston’s rich history is reflected in its preserved historic buildings and continued industrial growth. The town of Thomaston will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2025.

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