Litchfield, Connecticut's answer to the pretty Massachusetts towns in the Berkshires, was incorporated in 1719, and in the next 100 years it grew and prospered as a center for small industry and an important way station on the Hartford-Albany stagecoach route.

With this prosperity came the wherewithal, and the urge, to build fine, graceful houses, which is what the citizens did, making sure that the houses were set well back from the road.

Progress in other towns during the 19th century robbed Litchfield of much of its wealth—water-powered industry in river towns drove Litchfield's small-time craftsmen out of business, and the railroads bypassed the town.

But the town's decline may have been a blessing in disguise, at least for later generations.

Today Litchfield retains its late 18th-century beauty, unsullied by the workers' tenements and textile mills that have changed the face of so many other New England towns.

There's plenty to do on a half-day or full-day visit. Park your car near the town green, walk around to admire the fine old houses, visit the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, America's first law school, and take a winery tour at Haight-Brown Vineyards. More...

Litchfield has few places to stay overnight...by choice. Its citizens prefer visitors to come for the day and disappear at night, so you will probably have to find lodging elsewhere. More...

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