Guilford, CT Green at sunrise

The Menunkatuck Indians inhabited the area around Guilford when the first white settlers arrived in 1639. Two good harbors on two tidal rivers helped to secure a strong economy during the Colonial period.
The 16 acre Green, inspired by the English Common of the first Anglo settlers, was part of the early settlement. Initially, it provided firewood, building materials and a grazing area for the surrounding homes, farms and businesses. Soon after, religious, civic meeting and educational buildings were erected on the green.

By the 1830s, the Green began to transform from a practical resource to a park-like resource. Most of the structures on the Green were moved or raised, and a fence was erected to define the space.

The Boston Post Road, connecting New Haven and lower Connecticut with Boston which was to later become Route 1 passed along 2 sides of the Green, furthering the development of road-based commerce. Today, Route 1 passes 1,200 feet North of the Green (connected by Church Street). It was most likely re-routed in the 1920’s, completing the transformation of the Green to a park-like space.

Today, it is a quiet sanctuary, surrounded by public buildings, tony shops, restaurants and small businesses.