Bozrah, Connecticut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bozrah, Connecticut
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Town Hall
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 New London County and Connecticut Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region and Connecticut |
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| Country |  United States |
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| U.S. state |  Connecticut |
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| County | New London | |
| Region | Southeastern CT | |
| Incorporated | 1786 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Selectman-town meeting | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 20.2 sq mi (52.4 km2) | |
| • Land | 20.0 sq mi (51.7 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2) | |
| Elevation | 180 ft (55 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,429 | |
| • Density | 120.06/sq mi (46.35/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (Eastern) | |
| ZIP Code |
06334, 06336
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| Area code(s) | 860/959 | |
| FIPS code | 09-06820 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0213394 | |
Bozrah is a small town located in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It's part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. In 2020, about 2,429 people lived here.
Bozrah has three main areas, often called villages. These are Fitchville, which is the town center, Leffingwell, a crossroads along Route 82, and Gilman, a mill village found on Fitchville Road.
Contents
Exploring Bozrah's Past
How Bozrah Began
The land that is now Bozrah was first settled as part of Norwich. It was also part of an area known as the Parish of West Farms. In 1737, this area became its own parish, called "New Concord." Later, in 1786, it officially became the town of Bozrah.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Bozrah" comes from the Old Testament in the Bible. It refers to a farming community. Sometimes, the name has a good meaning, and other times, it doesn't. One idea is that the town's name came from a happy Bible verse. This verse talks about gathering people "as the sheep of Bozrah." In Hebrew, Bozrah means "an enclosure" or a safe place.
There's also a popular story about how the town got its name. The community originally wanted to name itself "Bath," like the famous spa town in England. The person chosen to take their request to Hartford (Connecticut's capital) was known for his unusual clothes. When he appeared before the state lawmakers, his colorful, homemade outfit made one lawmaker think of a Bible verse from Isaiah. This verse asks, "Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah?"
The lawmakers found this verse very funny and fitting. So, they decided to name the new town "Bozrah" instead of "Bath." Whether this story is completely true or not, the informal name "New Concord" was dropped when the town became official.
Places to Visit in Bozrah
If you're ever in Bozrah, here are a couple of interesting spots:
- Bozrah Congregational Church and Parsonage: This historic church and its parsonage (the minister's house) are located at 17 and 23 Bozrah Street. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
- Hopemead State Park: This is a large, undeveloped park covering 60 acres. It's a great place to enjoy nature.
Bozrah's Location and Landscape
Where is Bozrah?
Bozrah covers an area of about 52.4 square kilometers (about 20.2 square miles). Most of this area, 51.7 square kilometers, is land. A small part, 0.7 square kilometers, is water.
Neighboring Towns and Lakes
Bozrah is surrounded by several other towns. To the east, it borders the city of Norwich. To the south, you'll find Montville. To the southwest is Salem, and to the west is Colchester. Lebanon is to the northwest, and Franklin is to the north.
A popular place for fun and recreation is Gardner Lake. This lake covers about 529 acres and is located in the southwestern part of Bozrah. It also extends into the towns of Salem and Montville.
Understanding Bozrah's Population
How Many People Live in Bozrah?
Over the years, the number of people living in Bozrah has changed. In 1820, there were 1,085 residents. The population grew steadily over time, reaching 2,627 in 2010. By 2020, the population was 2,429.
Who Lives in Bozrah?
In 2000, there were 2,357 people living in Bozrah. About 32.6% of the households had children under 18. Most households (62.6%) were married couples living together. The average household had about 2.64 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 23.5% of residents were under 18 years old. The median age was 40 years, meaning half the people were younger than 40 and half were older.
Income in Bozrah
In 2000, the average income for a household in Bozrah was about $57,059 per year. For families, the average income was higher, around $65,481. By 2015, the estimated average household income in Bozrah had grown to $77,045. This was higher than the average for the entire state of Connecticut, which was $70,331.
Learning in Bozrah
Schools for Young Learners
Bozrah has one main school, Fields Memorial School. This school serves students from preschool all the way up to 8th grade. It's located in the Fitchville area of town.
High School Options
Bozrah does not have its own high school. However, the town makes sure its students can still get a great high school education. The town pays for students to attend either Norwich Free Academy or Lyman Memorial High School. If students choose to attend Norwich Technical High School or Waterford High School, the state of Connecticut covers their tuition.
Well-Known People from Bozrah
Bozrah has been home to several notable individuals:
- Sam Gejdenson (born 1948): A former member of the United States Congress.
- Alanson Hodges Hough (1803–1886): A doctor and politician.
- Elijah Baldwin Huntington (1816–1877): An author and a minister.
- Ishmail Spicer (1760–1832): A composer, publisher, and teacher.
- Reuben Hyde Walworth (1788–1867): A United States congressman who was nominated three times to become a Justice on the United States Supreme Court.
See also
In Spanish: Bozrah para niños
