Litchfield

Litchfield is a town in the Northwest Hills region of Connecticut with varied terrain that includes forests, open farmland, and rolling hills. The settlement spreads across a substantial area where traditional homes and historic buildings sit scattered among the natural landscape.

The town was established in 1719 after colonists acquired land from the Tunxis Indians and later became important during the American Revolution. It served as a supply and administrative center for military operations throughout the war.

The town takes its name from an English settlement and maintains the typical layout of a rural New England community, where residents still gather around a central green and local institutions.

You can reach the town by car or bus, with U.S. Route 202 serving as the main connection to other areas. Local bus services through the Northwestern Connecticut Transit District are available for visitors without a car.

In 1784 Judge Tapping Reeve founded the first law school in the United States here, which attracted future vice presidents and other national leaders to study law. The institution shaped legal education for generations across the country.

Location: Northwest Hills Planning Region

Location: Litchfield County

Inception: 1719

Elevation above the sea: 331 m

Website: http://townoflitchfield.org/Pages/index

GPS coordinates: 41.74722,-73.18972

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06