The History of Old Greenwich, CTIn 1640, two members of the New Haven Colony—Daniel Patrick and Robert Feake—purchased the land that would become Greenwich from local Native Americans at the cost of “twentie-five coates.” Soon after, the Dutch of the New Amsterdam Colony laid claim to the same land, making Patrick and Feake not owners, but patrons of a manor. Greenwich remained under protection of the Dutch until 1650, when New Amsterdam ceded the land to the New Haven Colony, and it became part of the town of Stamford. In 1665, Greenwich was separated from Stamford and declared a town through Colonial legislature. The original settlement is where the neighborhood of Old Greenwich now stands, and for many years was referred to as “Horseneck,” despite its official name. The name “Horseneck” is said to have been derived from the horse pastures in the area, or from the horseneck-shaped promontory visible from Long Island Sound.
Although the settlement continually grew, its progress was slow until the mid-1800s, when the railroad replaced the rocky and sometimes treacherous road to New York City. When Old Greenwich’s railroad station was built in 1894, it was named the “Sound Beach Railroad Station” in order to avoid confusion with the station in Greenwich. And like the name “Horseneck,” the name “Sound Beach” caught on amongst locals and travelers, but in 1931, the name of the station was changed to the “Old Greenwich Railroad Station.” Although it’s been moved from its original location, the station still exists as a functional landmark of the neighborhood today, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
© 2008 Reliance Relocation Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contributed by:  | More Local Area InformationWith a community so rich in history and culture, it is no wonder that so many people choose Old Greenwich when looking for homes in the New Yor... Read moreThe neighborhood of Old Greenwich is located in southeast Greenwich, Connecticut, adjacent to the city of Stamford. Part of an ever growin... Read moreFrom a 17th century farming district to a manufacturing center in the 1800's, Stamford, Connecticut has emerged as one of the most prosperous citie... Read moreGreenwich, CT offers the ocean and the countryside, all within a bucolic town the physical size of Manhattan (48 square miles), but with only 60,00... Read moreKnown as “The Gateway to New England,” Greenwich presents a landscape of sweeping beauty and charm. Bordered by Westchester County, New York, th... Read moreDarien Connecticut is a small, charming coastal community on Long Island Sound, less than one hour from New York City by car or train and easil... Read moreRowayton is a community defined by waterfronts and composed of many small neighborhoods. Because properties are small, usually less than 1/2 acre... Read moreSimilar to a Norman Rockwell painting, New Canaan, Connecticut is characterized by its simple, classic charm. New Canaan has over 400 acres of publi... Read more“The Next Station To Heaven” as New Canaan, CT is fondly referred to, is a storybook New England village rich in history and perfectly complemente... Read moreNorwalk, Connecticut is a coastline city with treasured islands, wooded landscapes and a bustling cityscape. It is easy to see why Norwalk's qualit... Read moreArmonk is a hamlet located within the town of North Castle in Westchester County, NY. Armonk’s name is derived from “armonck,” the word used by th... Read moreA true retreat from city life, Armonk, NY is a wonderful place to call home. Whether you are looking for a house in which to raise a family, or ... Read moreThe commercial boom of the 20th century greatly contributed to White Plains’ 21st century reputation as a “mini New York City.” White Plains boast... Read moreWhite Plains, located 25 miles north of Manhattan, is the county seat of Westchester County, New York. Referred to as the “birthplace of the stat... Read moreToday Scarsdale’s community is comprised of over 17,000 residents. The town has obtained national attention on numerous occasions due to it... Read moreThe history of Scarsdale, located just north of New York City, in Westchester County, New York, begins in the 17th century with the once jaded Cale... Read moreThe town of Bedford is located 48 miles north of New York City in Westchester County, New York. Bedford’s history is deeply rooted in Colonial times... Read moreWith its history, natural beauty, rich culture and tight-knit communities, it can be said that living in Bedford, NY is living the good life. Rea... Read moreHuntington is located on the beautiful north shore of Long Island, New York, 40 miles west of Manhattan. Huntington consists of both incorporate... Read moreGracious country living is available in Wilton, CT, where a pleasing variety of styles and architecture is available throughout the town offerin... Read more |
