RIDGEFIELD.....The dividends of a historic colonial town, an alert historical society, an active restoration committee, with well-organized town records, can be a genealogist's bonanza when seeking ancestor information.  Ridgefield, established in 1709, encompassing Branchville, Titicus, & Ridgebury is an excellent example.

"The little town that time forgot," is an appropriate description of Ridgefield, a town that still closely attempts to hold onto its colonial heritage. As late as the 1960s it felt as though you were taking a step back in time when you entered Ridgefield.   Turning left onto the historic Main Street, at the historic horse trough, traveling among the large elm and oak trees,  it was apparent as you drove past the Colonial houses that this was not just another community. You had entered a town that was still unique, in spite of its proximity to the hustle and bustle of New York City. The town population of 22,000 stabilized in 1972.

Now almost 30 years later, there has been a transformation in the town. While it still retains much of the charm of yesteryear, the landmark building are sandwiched between the "modern" day improvements that must necessarily become a part of any modern, growing community.
           

Ridgefield is the site of the Revolutionary War 1777 "Battle of Ridgefield." American Generals Wooster and Arnold attempted to hold off the British in the one of only two land battles on Connecticut soil during the Revolution.  There are still monuments and markers to the events or incidents that transpired in that 1777 battle. They remind us that Ridgefield has a heritage that must be preserved.  The Revolutionary Road historical project is currently being developed. When it is completed it will aid all of us in helping to uncover the treasures of Ridgefield, its history, and its patriots.  Ridgefield is one of Connecticut's finest treasures. The town is the perfect blend of New England small town charm, combined with   Americana's  modern day  tastes.

Some folks say, "To live there is to love it…"  It is true.   Those who live in Ridgefield love it and there is a community commitment to keeping it at the top.  Town officials and residents alike, strive toward creating the perfect balance of yesterday's charm with today's enrichment.
    

Nestled In the Housatonic Valley, Ridgefield covers 35 square miles, is just 60 miles north of New York City, a one hour's commute.by train from Grand Central Station to Branchville station.. By car it is  just over the border from Westchester and can be reached from Routes 7, 33, 35, 102, and 116.  Nearby Fairfield County towns are Wilton, Redding, Weston, Easton, Bethel and Danbury.  

This Search Engine is a new addition to the Ridgefield Web site. It offers  a Surname search, plus cemetery, search of Surnames in Ridgefield.

  This is an interesting and brief summary of  Ridgefield's role in the Revolutionary War,  assembled by Carol Hanny