Guilford, Colonial settlement in South Central Connecticut, United States
Description
Guilford is a town in South Central Connecticut with a center extending from Interstate 95 to Long Island Sound. The area contains more than 600 buildings from the 17th to 20th centuries that document urban development across several hundred years.
History
English Puritan families established Guilford in 1639 after purchasing land from Shaumpishuh, the female sachem of the Menunkatuck people. This founding moment shaped its development as one of Connecticut's early European settlements.
Culture
The Henry Whitfield House from 1639 is Connecticut's oldest stone house and now serves as a museum displaying colonial building methods. Around this structure, visitors can see how early settlers organized their community and daily life.
Practical
The town is accessible by three Interstate 95 exits and served by Shore Line East rail and Connecticut Transit bus service. Visitors should plan to arrive by car or train, as most attractions are walkable from the center.
Did you know?
The town green has survived since 1639 with its original layout intact and continues to serve as the central hub for commerce, government, and religious buildings today. This preserved design reflects how early colonial communities organized their social and economic life.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (South Central Connecticut Planning Region).
Henry Whitfield House
727 m
Comfort Starr House
683 m
Dudleytown Historic District
2.7 km
Acadian House
335 m
Menunkatuck Trail
3.4 km
Hyland-Wildman House
281 m
Pistapaug Mountain
17.2 km
Guilford Historic Town Center
502 m
Griswold House
607 m
Pine Orchard Union Chapel
5.2 km
Norcross Brothers Granite Quarry
5 km
Stick Style House at Stony Creek
5.7 km
Thomas Burgis II House
331 m
John Rogers House
4.8 km
Pelatiah Leete House
4.1 km
Meeting House Hill Historic District
10.2 km
Jared Eliot House
1.4 km
Elisha Pitkin House
4 km
Route 146 Historic District
3.1 km
Sabbathday House
302 m
Dudley Farm
8.6 kmEast River Wildlife Area
2.9 kmBroomstick Ledges
13.8 kmGuilford Town Green
23 mGuilford Lake
5.2 kmGreat Harbor Hunting Area
2.9 kmChimney Corner
4.7 kmBluff Head
14.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes