Topsmead State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Topsmead State Forest |
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 Topsmead State Forest
Location in Connecticut
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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 in Litchfield, Connecticut. It used to be the summer home of Edith Morton Chase. Her father, Henry Sabin Chase, was the first president of the Chase Brass and Copper Company. When Edith passed away in 1972, she generously left her house and land to the state of Connecticut.
The main house was built in 1924. It was designed by Richard Henry Dana. This house is a great example of a Tudor Revival country estate. It is so special that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Exploring Topsmead State Forest
Topsmead State Forest covers over 600 acres (about 240 hectares) in eastern Litchfield. It has different types of land, from open fields to thick woods. The forest is bordered by roads like Buell Road and Connecticut Route 254. You can also find East Litchfield Road and Connecticut Route 118 crossing its northern parts.
The Forest's High Point
Most of the forest is on a hill. This hill rises to about 1,230 feet (370 meters) high. The main entrance to the park is on Chase Road, which you can find off Buell Road. From the parking area on Chase Road, many trails spread out. These trails lead you through both open areas and wooded parts of the forest.
The Historic Estate House
Near the center of the forest, close to the top of the hill, stands Edith Morton Chase's old home. It is a large, two-story building. The house has stucco walls with decorative half-timbering. This style is known as Tudor Revival.
The house has a central part with wings on each side. A large section sticks out to the west. This part holds a grand living room with a very tall ceiling. Inside, the house looks just like it did in the 1920s. It still has its original decorations and features. The area around the house has a natural, informal garden. This was how Edith Morton Chase liked it.
Fun Activities at Topsmead
Topsmead State Forest is open every day until sunset. It's a great place to visit and enjoy nature.
House Tours and Trails
During the warmer months, the state sometimes offers tours of the estate house. This is the only time the public can go inside. Otherwise, the house is closed. The forest has many trails. These trails are perfect for hiking and horse riding.
Hunting Information
If you enjoy hunting, it is allowed in the forest area north of Route 118. However, you must have the right permits. You can only hunt during the official hunting season.
A Look Back at Topsmead's History
The story of Topsmead State Forest began in 1916. Henry Sabin Chase bought 16 acres (about 6.5 hectares) at the top of the hill. He owned a very successful metalworking business in Waterbury. Sadly, Henry Chase passed away in 1917.
Edith Chase's Vision
His daughter, Edith, took over the property. Soon after, she had a simple cottage built on the hilltop. The larger estate house you see today was built in 1924. It even included parts of the original cottage. Richard Henry Dana, an architect from New York City, designed the house.
Miss Chase used the property as her summer home. She also bought more land over time. She turned much of the surrounding property into a farm.
A Gift to Connecticut
When Edith Morton Chase died in 1972, she left a wonderful gift. She gave her entire property, which was over 500 acres (about 200 hectares) by then, to the people of Connecticut. She also left money to help maintain it. In 1993, most of the forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This shows how important and special Topsmead State Forest is.
