Step Back in Time
Founded in 1638, New Haven, Connecticut is rich in history of innovation and artistry. The Elm City is the first planned city in America built on a grid system and is best explored on foot through a network of pedestrian-friendly streets. Photo above courtesy of the New Haven Museum.
1614
Dutch explorer Adriaen Block made a pitstop in New Haven while sailing through the Quinnipiac River, which he nicknamed the “River of Royenberch,” meaning “red rock,” referring to East Rock and West Rock.
1637
New Haven’s first English Puritan settlers set up camp for the winter alongside a creek.
1638
English Puritans arrived in the New Haven harbor onboard a ship called the Hector and settled in what was then known as “Quinnipiac,” named after the Native American inhabitants of the area.
1638
The first Native American reservation was founded as a result of a treaty signed by the English and the Quinnipiac tribe at what is now Fort Wooster Park.
1640
The town of Quinnipiac is officially renamed New Haven after the English maritime village.
1641
New Haven became the first “planned city in America” thanks to John Brockett’s groundbreaking nine-square plan, inspired by Roman city planner, Vetruvius’ concepts for design. The innovative grid layout was centered by the New Haven Green and nestled between two small creeks at the mouth of the harbor.
1660
Reverend John Davenport, co-founder and religious leader of the New Haven Colony, established The Hopkins Grammar School, the fifth oldest private school in the country, named after its principal benefactor, Edward Hopkins.