Simsbury Connecticut (CT) 06070

Welcome to Simsbury Connecticut in Hartford County 

Simsbury is one of Connecticut's oldest communities. The town was incorporated as Connecticut's twentyifirst town in May 1670.  While Simsbury has experienced development in the past few decades, the Town government has been sensitive to maintaining the rural environment and historic charm that makes Simsbury the quintessential New England Community.

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History:

In the 1640's, when John Griffin and Michael Humphrey first crossed the Farmington River at "The Falls", they were searching for virgin pine forest where they could pursue their tar and pitch business. What they found was a verdant valley bounded by two low mountain ranges, rich with fish and wildlife. The native Massacoe Indians,of the Algonquin Nation, had lived off the bounty of the rich land and flowing river. The new settlers called the valley the "Massacoh Plantation."

Between 1648 and 1661, Indian lands were gradually deeded over to the Englishmen. In 1670, the Massacoh Plantation came to be named "Simsbury", probably after Symondsbury, Dorset, England. Many of the earliest English settlers came from Dorset, including Thomas Ford, the first to clear land and farm here.

In 1676, Indian disputes erupted into King Philip's War, and in March Simsbury was attacked by a group of Philip's warriors and burned to the ground. According to legend, their leader, King Philip, sat in the large cave on Talcott Mountain to view the spectacle. It is still called the Metacomet Ridge.

The War of the Revolution had a profound effect on the Town. Nearly 1,000 Simsbury residents, more than in any other war, served in the Revolution. One hundred Simsbury soldiers engaged in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Noah Phelps was the most noted hero, as it was his spying which led to the capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys.

Simsbury's earliest years tell a tale of the courage, resourcefulness, and dedication to principle that contributed greatly to the new nation.
Simbury Public Schools 

Simsbury Public Schools believe in the unlimited potential of each student by respecting and developing their unique learning styles and interests, in academic and extracurricular experiences that emphasize intellectual, physical, and social/emotional well-being, in setting challenging and demanding expectations of performance and supporting all students to achieve high standards, that effort makes a difference in achievement and that students should be provided with opportunities to pursue a rich and rigorous academic program, in developing students’ ability to problem solve, think critically, work collaboratively, express themselves creatively, and communicate effectively, and in developing a passion for lifelong learning and in the importance of connecting students to the school, community, and world.

Recreation 

The Parks and Recreation Department coordinates a wide range of programs and other activities throughout the year. Brochures are published quarterly containing program and registration information. The Department maintains a network of 12 town parks and facility reservations for the Apple Barn, Simsbury Farms and town parks. An up-to-date list of representatives of all civic groups and youth sports organizations is also maintained.

Points of Interest

The town center is a destination shopping and dining area, the home base for a number of unique local businesses, and the summer venue for the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Simsbury is also home to Rosedale Farm, which has been forever famous for its fresh corn and has added a vineyard that’s already producing award-winning labels. Landmark, Pettibone’s Tavern, a haven for fine food since Colonial times. They say it’s haunted, but frankly the only spirits ever encountered there have been upstairs in the tavern.