Goshen, Connecticut

Goshen is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 2,976 at the 2010 census.[1]

Goshen, Connecticut
Town
Seal
Location in Litchfield County, Connecticut
Coordinates: 41°51′05″N 73°14′09″W
Country United States
U.S. state Connecticut
CountyLitchfield
RegionNorthwest Hills
Incorporated1739
Government
 • TypeSelectman-town meeting
 • First selectmanRobert P. Valentine (R)
 • SelectmanSteven Romano (R)
 • SelectmanDexter Kinsella (D)
Area
 • Total45.2 sq mi (117.0 km2)
 • Land43.6 sq mi (113.0 km2)
 • Water1.5 sq mi (4.0 km2)
Elevation
1,319 ft (402 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total2,976
 • Density68/sq mi (26.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
06756
Area code(s)860
FIPS code09-32290
GNIS feature ID0213433
Websitewww.goshenct.gov

Geography

Goshen is in central Litchfield County and is bordered to the east by the city of Torrington. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Goshen has a total area of 45.2 square miles (117.0 km2), of which 43.6 square miles (113.0 km2) are land and 1.5 square miles (4.0 km2), or 3.44%, are water.[1] A large portion of the Mohawk State Forest is located in the town. The Appalachian Trail formerly passed through the town until it was re-routed west of the Housatonic River.

Principal communities

Other minor communities and geographic areas in the town are Hall Meadow, North Goshen, Tyler Lake, West Side, and Woodridge Lake. Woodridge lake is private. It is only available to residents (it is not a gated community). They have access to the clubhouse, and all of the lake's beaches.

History

The town was incorporated in 1739, one year after settlement of the town center began. The community was named after the Land of Goshen, in Egypt.[2] The Congregational church was founded the following year.[3] During the 18th century, Goshen was a farming, and later, prosperous business community. Gunmakers from the town such as the Medad Hills manufactured guns during the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War. Other notable business include the pineapple cheese factory and the Brooks pottery shop.

The first school in Goshen was built in 1753. A seminary for young women was established in 1819. The Goshen Academy was established several years later and became a well-regarded preparatory school during the 19th century.

Settlers from Goshen were the first to settle Hudson Township, Summit County, Ohio, in the Connecticut Western Reserve.

Notable locations

Historic sites in the town include:

Transportation

Connecticut Route 4 is the principal east–west through route in the town, while Connecticut Route 63 serves as the main north–south road. Route 4 leads east into Torrington and west into Cornwall, while Route 63 leads northwest to South Canaan and southeast to Litchfield.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18201,585—
18501,457—
18601,381−5.2%
18701,223−11.4%
18801,093−10.6%
1890972−11.1%
1900835−14.1%
1910675−19.2%
19206750.0%
19306831.2%
194077813.9%
195094020.8%
19601,28837.0%
19701,3514.9%
19801,70626.3%
19902,32936.5%
20002,69715.8%
20102,97610.3%
Est. 20142,914[4]−2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[5]
See also: List of Connecticut locations by per capita income

As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 2,697 people, 1,066 households, and 814 families residing in the town. The population density was 61.8 people per square mile (23.9/km2). There were 1,482 housing units at an average density of 33.9 per square mile (13.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.26% White, 0.48% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.74% Asian, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.22% of the population.

There were 1,066 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.5% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $64,432, and the median income for a family was $72,452. Males had a median income of $48,125 versus $30,464 for females. The per capita income for the town was $33,925. About 2.9% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 25, 2005[7]
Party Active voters Inactive voters Total voters Percentage
Republican 745 16 761 37.29%
Democratic 413 6 419 20.53%
Unaffiliated 827 33 860 42.14%
Minor Parties 1 0 1 0.05%
Total 1,986 55 2,041 100%

Arts and culture

Annually on father day weekend the Goshen Stampede is held at the Goshen Fairgrounds. Which is festival consisting of new England's largest Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Music Fest, and Truck Pull. It is also home to the Goshen players. Each Labor Day weekend the Goshen Fair takes place at the Goshen Fair Grounds on Route 63 south just outside the center of town. Similar in nature to the Agricultural Fair having farm animal judgement shows, competition and contest in log chopping, log sawing, haybale throwing and the like. There are food, art, photography, baked goods, and craft contests. Rides for children, vendors of craft goods and food vendor are also present. Attendance over the three days can range up to 50,000 people

Traditionally at the beginning of August, and usually the first Saturday, the Church of Christ presents an Annual Blueberry Festival where they sell blueberry pies, blueberries and host a blueberry breakfast. It is very well known and people from all around the area come to enjoy the festival and the pies. The blueberry pies are available for sale all year long, as well as other flavors made by hand by the congregation (apples, peach and blueberry peach as well as the blueberry). Mini pies are also sold by the church at the annual Goshen Fair on Labor Day weekend.

Notable people
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References
  1. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Goshen town, Litchfield County, Connecticut". American FactFinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  2. The Connecticut Magazine: An Illustrated Monthly. Connecticut Magazine Company. 1903. p. 332.
  3. "History of the Town of Goshen, Connecticut," Page 72, 1897
  4. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  5. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  6. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  7. "Registration and Party Enrollment Statistics as of October 25, 2005" (PDF). Connecticut Secretary of State. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 23, 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-02.
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