Litchfield County, Connecticut

About

Litchfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of Connecticut. As of the 2010 census, the population was 189,927 and a population density of 78 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 179,610 inhabitants. Its county seat is Litchfield. The county was created 274 years ago in 1750.

Litchfield County is located in the northwestern corner of Connecticut. It is considered part of the New York metropolitan area. The county was founded in 1751 and named after Litchfield, one of its original towns.

With a population around 184,000 as of the 2020 census, Litchfield County is Connecticut’s least populous county. It covers about 920 square miles, spanning rolling hills and the Berkshire Mountains.

Key Facts and History

• The area was originally inhabited by the Algonquin people. European settlers arrived in the early 1700s.
• In the late 1700s, Litchfield County became an important legal and political center, with Litchfield hosting the Connecticut Supreme Court.
• The county was mainly agricultural into the mid-1800s. Sheep farming was a major early industry. Grain mills, iron forges, carriage factories and dairies later emerged.
• Tourism grew in the late 1800s as wealthy New Yorkers built grand summer homes, like in Norfolk. The natural scenery and lake resorts attracted visitors.

Major Industries and Attractions Today

• While still rural in nature, tourism remains vital to Litchfield County’s economy. Popular activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and skiing.
• There are numerous historic towns, villages, and museums to explore. Notable attractions include the Yale Center for British Art and Lime Rock racetrack.
• Much of the county is forested. The Appalachian Trail passes through it and state parks like Mount Tom offer recreation.
• Agriculture, especially dairy farms, vineyards, and orchards, is still prevalent. Forestry and mining are also important industries.

Transportation and Cities

• There are no interstate highways in Litchfield County. State routes 8, 63, 118, and 202 are major roads.
• The county’s largest city is Torrington, with a population around 35,000. Other towns include Winchester, Plymouth, Litchfield, and New Milford.

Quick Facts about Litchfield County

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Geography

Litchfield County is located at 41°47'33"N 73°14'43"W (41.7924900, -73.2453200). It has 6 neighbors: Fairfield County, Hartford County, New Haven County, Berkshire County, Hampden County and Dutchess County.

Litchfield County map

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The largest city of Litchfield County is West Torrington with a population of 36,000. Other cities include, Torrington population 33,870, Winsted population 7,712 and Bantam population 725. See all Litchfield County cities & populated places.

Litchfield County Populated Places (more)

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Litchfield County.

People born in Litchfield County, including consumer rights activist and corporate critic Ralph Nader, politician Amasa Junius Parker, religious leader, writer and educator Charles Grandison Finney, .

List

• Elisha Mitchell (educator, geologist) he was born in 19/08/1793
• Lemuel Cook (American veteran) he was born in 10/09/1759
• Gerald A. Browne (American author and editor) he was born in 29/11/1924
• William Stone Hubbell (United States Army Medal of Honor recipient) he was born in 19/04/1837
• Mary Bidwell (American supercentenarian) she was born in 19/05/1881
• Mason Ellsworth Hale (American lichenologist) he was born in 29/09/1928