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Griswold, Connecticut facts for kids

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Griswold, Connecticut
Town of Griswold
First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church
Official seal of Griswold, Connecticut
Seal
Griswold's location within New London County and Connecticut New London County and Connecticut
Griswold's location within the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region and the state of Connecticut Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region and Connecticut
Country  United States
U.S. state  Connecticut
County New London
Region Southeastern CT
Incorporated 1815
Government
 • Type Selectman-town meeting
Area
 • Total 37.1 sq mi (96.0 km2)
 • Land 34.7 sq mi (89.9 km2)
 • Water 2.4 sq mi (6.1 km2)
Elevation
210 ft (64 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 11,402
 • Density 307.62/sq mi (118.77/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
06351
Area code(s) 860/959
FIPS code 09-33900
GNIS feature ID 0213436

Griswold is a town located in New London County, Connecticut, in the United States. It's part of the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region. In 2020, about 11,402 people lived there. Griswold includes the borough of Jewett City and several smaller villages.

History of Griswold

Early Days and Settlements

For a long time, the Mohegan people used the waterways in this area for fishing. Later, settlers were drawn to the rivers. They built businesses like ironworks, sawmills, and corn mills.

The town of Griswold was once the northern part of Preston. In 1716, people living in the northern area asked to form their own society. This was because they had to travel far to attend church in Preston.

How Griswold Became a Town

In the late 1700s, a person named Eliezer Jewett started many mills and an irrigation plant. His businesses were very successful. Because of this, the area became known as Jewett City.

The town of Griswold officially became its own town in 1815. It was named after Governor Roger Griswold. Later, in 1895, Jewett City became a borough within the town of Griswold.

Griswold is also home to Hopeville Pond State Park. This park used to be the location of a woolen mill.

Geography of Griswold

Rivers and Location

The Pachaug and Quinebaug rivers flow through the town of Griswold. The town is located on the northeastern edge of New London County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Griswold covers about 96.0 square kilometers (37.1 square miles). Most of this area, about 89.9 square kilometers (34.7 square miles), is land. The remaining 6.1 square kilometers (2.4 square miles) is water, which is about 6.37% of the total area.

Population and People

How Many People Live Here?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1820 1,859
1850 2,065
1860 2,217 7.4%
1870 2,575 16.1%
1880 2,745 6.6%
1890 3,113 13.4%
1900 3,490 12.1%
1910 4,233 21.3%
1920 4,220 −0.3%
1930 6,010 42.4%
1940 5,343 −11.1%
1950 5,728 7.2%
1960 6,472 13.0%
1970 7,763 19.9%
1980 8,967 15.5%
1990 10,384 15.8%
2000 10,807 4.1%
2010 11,951 10.6%
2020 11,402 −4.6%

In 2010, there were 11,951 people living in Griswold. There were 4,646 households in the town. The population density was about 133 people per square kilometer (344 people per square mile).

Diversity in Griswold

The people living in Griswold come from many different backgrounds. In 2010, most residents were White. There were also people who identified as African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander. Some people identified with two or more races. About 3.3% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Places to See in Griswold

  • Ashland Mill Bridge: This bridge crosses the Pachaug River. It was built in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Avery House: This historic house was built in 1770. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
  • Edward Cogswell House: This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
  • Kinne Cemetery: This cemetery is on Jarvis Road and has been in use since 1713. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
  • Timothy Lester Farmstead: This old farm was built in 1741. It became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
  • Slater Library and Fanning Annex: Located at 26 Main Street in Jewett City, this library was built in 1884. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Famous People from Griswold

  • Clifford Chapin (born 1988): He is a voice actor known for his work with Funimation. Clifford was born in Griswold.
  • John Cantius Garand (1888–1974): He was a Canadian-American designer of firearms. He is famous for creating the M1 Garand, which was the first successful semi-automatic rifle used widely by the military. A bridge on Interstate 395 is named after him.
  • Moses Coit Tyler (1835–1900): He was a well-known author. Moses was born in Griswold.

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See also

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