Yalesville, Connecticut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yalesville
|
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Country | United States |
State | Connecticut |
County | New Haven |
Elevation | 95 ft (29 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (Eastern) |
GNIS feature ID | 212303 |
Yalesville is a small community located in Wallingford, Connecticut, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated village, meaning it's a defined place without its own local government. The village was first settled in 1677 and was originally called "First Falls." It got its current name, Yalesville, in 1808.
Contents
Discovering Yalesville's Past
Yalesville has a rich history that dates back centuries. It started as a place where people used the power of the river.
Early Settlement and Mills
In September 1686, a group decided to build a mill at the first waterfalls on the Quinnipiac River. This river flows between Wallingford and Meriden. Mills were very important back then for grinding grain and sawing wood.
In 1704, a man named William Tyler bought the mill. Because of him, the community became known as Tyler's Mills.
How Yalesville Got Its Name
About a hundred years later, the mill and the land around it were sold to Charles Yale. After this, the village was renamed Yalesville. The name honors the important Yale family. This family was famous for making special metal goods called Britannia Ware in the area.
The Yale family's businesses grew over time. They started companies like the Meriden Britannia Company. Many members of the Yale family were also involved in important historical events. They fought in wars like the American Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, and the War of 1812.
Building Bridges and Schools
Life in Yalesville changed over the years. In 1695, people living there were tired of using canoes to cross the river. So, they built a bridge near Roswell Yale's home. Around 1800, the current bridge over the Quinnipiac River was built.
At the same time, the first school in Yalesville was built. Today, the Yalesville Elementary School, which is now called Mary Fritz Elementary School, is the second school built on that same spot.
Exploring Yalesville's Geography
Yalesville is located in the northwestern part of Wallingford. It's about 10 miles away from Wadsworth Falls State Park, a beautiful natural area.
Two important waterways flow through Yalesville: the Wharton Brook and the Quinnipiac River. The Quinnipiac River is also sometimes called Dragon River. These rivers are a key part of the local landscape.