Town of Wilton

238 Danbury Road

203-563-0100

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 - March 8, 2023

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…

Town of Wilton - Early March 2023-Commercial Blight Legislation, Budgets, Housing Legislation

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…

Town of Wilton News - Change Yor Clock, Change Your Battery

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…

Town of Wilton - Land Use Departments Clerk Job Description

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…

Town of Wilton - Land Use Departments Clerk Posting

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,…

Town of Wilton: Senior Civil Engineer Job Description

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…

Town of Wilton - Senior Civil Engineer Posting

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…

Town of Wilton Senior Newsletter March-April Edition

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…

Town of Wilton First Selectwoman’s Update - February 2023

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…

Town of Wilton - Tai Ji Quan classes canceled Monday 2/27 and Wednesday 3/1/2023

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.…

Town of Wilton -Request for Proposals (RFP) for Unleaded Gasoline, Diesel Fuel And #2 Heating Oil

Click Here To view About The Town of Wilton -Request for Proposals (RFP) for Unleaded Gasoline, Diesel Fuel And #2 Heating…

Town of Wilton News - Wilton Health Department Recognized for Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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.…

Town of Wilton : Request for Qualifications - Proposals for Turf Athletic Field and Seasonal Sports Bubble Feasibility Study

Click Here to View the Information About Town of Wilton : Request for Qualifications - Proposals for Turf Athletic Field and Seasonal Sports Bubble Feasibility…

Town of Wilton News - Deputy Public Health Director/Sanitarian Job Description

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Town of Wilton - First Selectwoman's Recommended FY2024 Budget

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…

Town of Wilton News - Wilton Webinar: Helping Families Navigate Mental Health and Suicide Conversations with Kids Recording

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.…

Town Of Wilton : 'Hot Liquids Burn Like Fire'

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Town of Wilton Job Description - Tax Collector

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Town of Wilton News - Wilton Parks and Recreation to RollOut New Recreation Management System

Click here to Read More Information About Town of Wilton News - Wilton Parks and Recreation to RollOut New Recreation Management…

Town of Wilton First Selectwoman’s Update - January 2023

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…

Stay At Home In Wilton Presents : How To Become A Savvy Food Shopper

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…

CT DOT Approves Expanded Offerings on State-Owned Property at Allen’s Meadow

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…

Town of Wilton : Posting Building Monitor - Part Time

Click Here to View the Information About Town of Wilton : Posting Building Monitor - Part…

Town Of Wilton : Announces Food ScrapsRecycling Pilot Program

Click Here to View the Information About Town Of Wilton : Announces Food ScrapsRecycling Pilot…

Town of Wilton Police Department News - Mail Theft and Check Washing

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…

Town of Wilton News - Chief of Police John Lynch Announces Intention to Retire on February 1st

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…

Town of Wilton -Don't miss Birds of Prey! Friday January 13th 10:30 Senior Center Lounge

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…

Town of Wilton News - Town of Wilton Seeks Vietnam Veterans for Upcoming Recognition Ceremony

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…

Town of Wilton - seeks to hire an Assessor

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…

Town Of Wilton : Early January Update-Taxes, Amenities And Other Frequently Asked Questions

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…

Town of Wilton : Awarded a $1.425 Million Congressional Member-Directed Community Project Grant

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…

Town of Wilton - Request For Proposals For 5.5 Ton - Hopper Hot Asphalt Box

Click Here To View The Town of Wilton - Request For Proposals For 5.5 Ton - Hopper Hot Asphalt Box

Town of Wilton News - January-February Newsletter and Reminder of Senior Center Office Hours

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…

Town of Wilton : December 2022-First Selectwoman’s Update

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…

Town of Wilton: Assistant Sanitarian Job Description

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…

Town of Wilton - Assistant Sanitarian Posting

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…

Town Of Wilton : No Strength Training With Lisa December 5th

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…

Town Of Wilton : Administrative Secretary, Planning And Zoning Department Job Description

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…

Town of Wilton Correction-Town Green Menorah Lighting is December 19th

The Town Green Menorah Lighting is on December 19th. Apologies for the typo in the earlier emailed Update.

Town of Wilton First Selectwoman’s Update - November 2022

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…

Town Of Wilton Kicks Off Letters To Santa

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…

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