Cheshire, Connecticut

Cheshire is a town located in New Haven County, Connecticut. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 28,543.

History

When Cheshire was originally settled by Europeans, it was part of the town of Wallingford and known locally as "Northfarms". In 1780, Cheshire separated from Wallingford to become its own town, and for the next 170 years, Cheshire remained a small but prosperous farming town.

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In the post-war period, Cheshire began to suburbanize as residents of New Haven began moving outwards from the urban core. Several industrial plants also located themselves in one of the town's many planned industrial parks. Despite significant residential development, Cheshire has remained a highly agricultural town that has found an economic niche in producing bedding plants for local and national consumers. The town's slogan is "The Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut".

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Well known people born in Cheshire include James Van Der Beek, Ron Palillo ("Horshack" from Welcome Back Kotter) and Brian Leetch of the NHL (not born there, but grew up there). Brad Ausmus of the Houston Astros and journalist Vijay Vaitheeswaran of The Economist are Cheshire High School graduates.

Related Topics:
James Van Der Beek - Ron Palillo - Welcome Back Kotter - Brian Leetch - NHL - Brad Ausmus - Houston Astros - The Economist - Cheshire High School

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For additional historical questions, please consult the Cheshire Public Library.

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