Stepney, Connecticut
1625 (and prior)
The Paugusset tribe establishes trails and settlements throughout the area.
1720
The Stepney area is first settled by 2nd and 3rd generation English colonists from the mother colony of Stratford or Fairfield.
1735
The name “Stepney” first appears in the Stratford land records.
1744
The Stepney area was at first part of the parish of North Stratford (now Trumbull).
1762
Stepney became part of the newly formed Parish of New Stratford — the forerunner of Monroe.
1776
Local farmers join the American Revolutionary forces of New Stratford.
1781
A French force of soldiers under General Rochambeau and led by Duc de Lauzun arrive in New Stratford and march through the area. The Revolution is won! Resident farmers celebrate victory with bonfires and music.
1789
All of New Stratford becomes part of the newly formed town of “Huntington”.
1794
Birdsey’s Plain / Stepney cemetery donated by Noah and James Burr, Jr.
1801
The Bridgeport-Newtown Turnpike, a toll road, opens — the forerunner of the present Route 25.
1817
The one-acre Parade ground “Birdsey’s Plain/Stepney Green” is purchased for $140 by the Birdsey’s Plain Rifle Company.
1823
The parish of New Stratford becomes a separate town named Monroe. The town is named for the popular President James Monroe.
1833
Monroe and Newtown Turnpike opens, connecting Stepney to Danbury via Hattertown Road.
1839
The first of the twin churches on the Stepney Green — Methodist-Episcopal church is dedicated.
1840
The Housatonic Railroad arrives in Stepney, ushering in industry and a new era.
1848
The second of the twin churches — the Baptist Meetinghouse — is dedicated.
1850
Monroe establishes 7 school districts:
- Stepney
- East Village
- Birdsey’s Plain
- Cutler’s Farm
- Centre
- Elm Street
- Walker’s Farm
1861
The Civil War breaks out. A peace rally is held at the Stepney Green by local pacifists called “Copperheads.” P.T. Barnum and Elias Howe arrive by train with a group of hired ruffians and break up the rally. Nearly 100 town residents volunteer for the Union forces.
1872
School Census
- Stepney — 26
- East Village — 37
- Elm Street — 30
- Birdsey’s Plain — 61
- Walker’s Farm — 47
- Center — 39
- Cutler’s Farm — 27
Teacher’s salary
- $102 for Summer session
- $136 for Winter term
1912
Route 25 is paved as a state highway, the first paved road in town.
1916
The Stepney Volunteer Fire Department is established, the town’s first fire department.
1920
War Memorials are established on the Town’s two Greens, Stepney and Monroe, honoring World War I veterans.
1950
The end of the Agricultural era and the start of suburbanization.
2001
May 24th — Save Our Stepney Task Force is established to preserve and enhance the Stepney/Birdsey’s Plain areas.
2006
Upper Stepney / Birdsey’s Plain Historic District established. The district encircles the Stepney Green and Includes certain adjacent properties.