History of Manchester

Manchester, Connecticut, with its rich history, is a town that offers a unique blend of past and present. Originally inhabited by the Podunk Native American tribe, the area was first settled by European colonists in 1672 as part of Hartford. It was known as the "Five Mile Tract" because of its distance from the city center.

In 1823, Manchester became its own town, named after Manchester, England, due to its rapidly growing cotton mill industry. The Cheney family business, the Cheney Brothers Silk Manufacturing Company, became the world's largest silk mill under one roof and played a pivotal role in Manchester's development. The town's prosperity in the 19th and early 20th centuries is reflected in the Cheney Brothers Historic District, which showcases beautiful Victorian homes.

Throughout the 20th century, Manchester continued to grow, transitioning from a mill town to a suburban community. The opening of the Manchester Memorial Hospital in 1920 and the establishment of Manchester Community College in 1963 are landmarks of this evolution. Today, Manchester is known for its excellent educational facilities, diverse population, and community events like the Manchester Road Race, which has been held annually since 1927.

For residents and those considering moving to Manchester, the town offers a sense of continuity with its past. The Manchester Historical Society actively preserves the town's heritage, ensuring that the spirit of Manchester's history remains alive and well for future generations to appreciate and learn from.