About Cheshire Connecticut

      The Town of Cheshire, Connecticu t was first settled by Europeans in 1695 and was originally part of nearby Wallingford, Connecticut. It became a separate town in 1780. It is located in the south central section of the State in New Haven County about 15 miles north of New Haven and just east of Waterbury. Cheshire's population was 28,7333 in the 2020 census and it has a land area of 33.4 square miles.

      Like many Connecticut towns, Cheshire began as a farming and light manufacturing community. Copper was mined in Cheshire in the 18th Century and barites in the 19th. However, during the past 50 years, it has become a suburban residential community since it is located near many major highways including I-84, I-91 and I-691. In 2009, 2011 and 2013 Money magazine ranked Cheshire as one of the 100 Best Places to Live. It was named as the third safest town in Connecticut in 2022.

       While it has attracted many industries to its Industrial Park in the northern part of town, its farming influences remain with thousands of acres of open space and an active agricultural industry. It is still called the Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut because of the many greenhouses still in operation.

For more about Cheshire's history, I recommend Ron Gagliardi's book: Cheshire (Images of America)

About Cheshire Connecticut

Cheshire Connecticut Links