Lower Merryall, Connecticut Explained

Settlement Type:Unincorporated village
Pushpin Map:Connecticut#USA
Pushpin Label:Lower Merryall
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Connecticut##Location in the United States
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:U.S. state
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Litchfield
Subdivision Type4:Town
Subdivision Name4:New Milford
Coordinates:41.6468°N -73.4157°W

Lower Merryall, otherwise referred to as just Merryall, is a rural community in the town of New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States.

History

The name "Merryall" was given to the land in 1726 by a group of surveyors, after having dinner by a spring and sharing a bottle of spirits. With the contents of the bottle, all had become merry and the land was named accordingly.[1]

The district was originally established as Merryall but was later divided into Upper Merryall and Lower Merryall.[1] However, they are often grouped as a single Merryall.

Historical sites

Geography

Lower Merryall is made up of rolling farmland and forests. Thanks to conservation groups like the Friends and Neighbors of Historic Merryall, much of the area's signature rural charm has been able to stay intact, despite years of rapid growth in other areas of New Milford.[7]

The total land area of Lower Merryall is debatable however, the Merryall district as a whole (including Upper Merryall) has a total land area of, making up the northeast corner of New Milford.[8]

The West Aspetuck River is Lower Merryall's primary waterway, running through the center of the community.

The highest point in elevation in Lower Merryall is Bear Hill (1,281 ft).

Notable people

Notes and References

  1. Book: Orcutt, Samuel. History of the towns of New Milford and Bridgewater, Connecticut, 1803–1882. 1882. Press of the Case, Lockwood and Brainard Company. 104. January 7, 2023.
  2. Web site: A 1759 Schoolhouse Turned Industrial-Style Home Asks $450K in Connecticut. Dwell Media. January 5, 2023.
  3. News: . December 7, 1937. New Milford Teacher Out As School Closes. Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. January 5, 2023.
  4. News: . November 11, 2001. $1.7 Million For Cobble Hill Farm Sets Record in New Milford. Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. January 5, 2023.
  5. Web site: Smyrski Farm, New Milford. Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy. January 6, 2023.
  6. Web site: Map of Aspetuck Valley. Woldemar Neufeld. January 5, 2023.
  7. News: Schoenberger. Karl. August 26, 1985. New Milford Group Buys Land To Preserve Its Rural Nature. Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. January 5, 2023.
  8. Environmental Review Team Report – Merryall District. King's Mark Environmental Review Team Report . February 1986. 7 January 2023. King's Mark Resource & Development Area.