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THE CONNECTICUT ABOVE MIDDLETOWN,Middlesex County,1872 Antique Wood Engraving
THE CONNECTICUT ABOVE MIDDLETOWN,Middlesex County ,1872 Antique Wood Engraving Historical Collectible Art Print
Middletown is a city located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, along the Connecticut River, in the south-central part of the state. It was founded in 1650 and incorporated as a city in 1784. The land on the western bank of the Connecticut River where Middletown now lies was home to the Mattabesett Indians when the Connecticut General Court elected to establish a settlement there in 1650. Colonists arrived shortly thereafter from nearby Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor, and lived mostly peacefully alongside the tribe. In 1653, the village was first named Middletown. Later in the seventeenth century, Mohegans moved into the area from the Hudson River Valley. Dubbed Pequots, or killers of men, by the more peaceful Mattabesetts, the newcomers threatened and raided fellow Native Americans and English settlers alike for several decades before a peaceful coexistence was reestablished. The English settlers eventually purchased nearly all of the shrinking holdings of the Native Americans, including substantial lands on the eastern side of the river, limiting them to a small strip of land surrounding the tribal home of the Mattabesett chief. By the time of the American Revolution, Middletown was a thriving port, with one-third of its citizens involved in merchant and maritime activities. After the war, Middletown was incorporated as a city in 1784. The port's decline began with the strained American-British relations, and resulting trade restrictions, which led to the War of 1812. Although the port never recovered, the city did distinguish itself in the war effort, as Middletown's Commodore Thomas Macdonough led American forces to the victory on Lake Champlain in 1814 which ended British hopes for an invasion into New York. The mid-nineteenth century was marked by the establishment in 1831 of Wesleyan College (later Wesleyan University) and by manufacturing replacing trade as Middletown's economic mainstay. The city's industrial growth was limited by the decision of the railroad to bypass Middletown when tracks were laid to connect Hartford with New Haven. The city played a role in the Civil War as well. General Joseph Mansfield of Middletown led Union forces at Antietam, where he died in action in 1862. The city was also active in the abolition movement, and was a notable hub along the underground railway.
Engraving on the back is of the mouth of Park River.
| PUBLISHED DATE |
1872 |
| PAGE SIZE: approx |
12 INCHES x 9 INCHES |
| IMAGE SIZE: approx |
9 X 6 1/2 INCHES |
| CONDITION |
ENGRAVING with intext print on the back. Excellent condition. Heavier
paper.Suitable ageing. The image is clean, clear and sharp with beautiful
depth and detail.This beautiful rare item would look great matted and
framed. An art supply store can provide you with a selection of frames
for old art treasures. |
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