Topsmead State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Topsmead State Forest |
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 Topsmead State Forest
Location in Connecticut
Topsmead State Forest
Location in the United States
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| Location | Litchfield, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States |
| Area | 615 acres (249 ha) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Governing body | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
| Website | Topsmead State Forest |
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Topsmead
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| Area | 511 acres (207 ha) |
| Built | 1924 |
| Architect | Dana, Richard Henry |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001243 |
| Added to NRHP | November 19, 1993 |
Topsmead State Forest is a beautiful state forest located in Litchfield, Connecticut. It's a special place where you can explore nature and learn about history. This forest was once the summer home of a woman named Edith Morton Chase. She was the daughter of Henry Sabin Chase, who led a big company called Chase Brass and Copper.
When Edith passed away in 1972, she generously gave her house and all the land to the state of Connecticut. The main house, built in 1929, looks like something from a fairy tale with its unique Tudor Revival style. It's so important that it's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
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Exploring Topsmead State Forest
Topsmead State Forest covers a huge area, more than 600 acres (240 ha) of land in eastern Litchfield. It's a mix of open fields and lovely wooded areas. You'll find a big hill here that rises to about 1,230 feet (370 m) high. The main entrance is on Chase Road, and from there, many trails branch out for you to discover.
The Historic Estate House
Right in the middle of the forest, near the top of the hill, stands Edith Morton Chase's old summer home. It's a large, two-story building with a cool "Tudor Revival" design. Imagine a house with stucco walls and dark wooden beams, like something you'd see in an old English village! The inside still looks like it did in the 1920s, with original decorations and furniture. The area around the house has a natural, informal garden, just as Edith liked it.
Fun Things to Do at Topsmead
Topsmead State Forest is open every day from sunrise until sunset, so you have plenty of time to explore!
- Hiking: There are many trails perfect for walking and enjoying the outdoors.
- Horse Riding: If you have a horse, you can also ride on the designated trails.
- House Tours: During the warmer months, the state sometimes offers tours of the historic estate house. It's a great chance to see inside and imagine what life was like long ago!
A Look Back at Topsmead's History
The story of Topsmead began in 1916 when Henry Sabin Chase bought 16 acres (6.5 ha) at the top of the hill. After he passed away in 1917, his daughter, Edith Morton Chase, inherited the property.
Edith loved the land and started building her dream summer home. First, she built a small cottage, and later, the beautiful Tudor-revival style house you see today. The main estate house was built in 1924, designed by an architect named Richard Henry Dana. Edith used the property as her summer escape and even ran a farm on the land she bought over the years.
When Edith Morton Chase died in 1972, she made sure Topsmead would be enjoyed by everyone. She left over 500 acres (200 ha) to the State Forest Commission of Connecticut, along with money to help take care of it. Because of its special history, most of the forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Today, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection manages the forest and offers tours of the house during certain seasons.
Images for kids
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The historic estate house at Topsmead State Forest.
