Goshen, Connecticut | ||
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Town | ||
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Location in Litchfield County, Connecticut |
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Coordinates: 41°51′05″N 73°14′09″W / 41.85139°N 73.23583°WCoordinates: 41°51′05″N 73°14′09″W / 41.85139°N 73.23583°W | ||
Country | United States | |
State | Connecticut | |
NECTA | None | |
Region | Litchfield Hills | |
Incorporated | 1739 | |
Government | ||
• Type | Selectman-town meeting | |
• First selectman | Robert P. Valentine (R) | |
• Selectman | Steven Romano (R) | |
• Selectman | Dexter Kinsella (D) | |
Area | ||
• Total | 45.2 sq mi (117.1 km2) | |
• Land | 43.7 sq mi (113.1 km2) | |
• Water | 1.5 sq mi (4.0 km2) | |
Elevation | 1,319 ft (402 m) | |
Population (2005) | ||
• Total | 3,092 | |
• Density | 71/sq mi (27/km2) | |
Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) | |
• Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) | |
ZIP code | 06756 | |
Area code(s) | 860 | |
FIPS code | 09-32290 | |
GNIS feature ID | 0213433 | |
Website | www |
Goshen is a town in Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 2,976 at the 2010 census.
Each July, the Connecticut Agricultural Fair is held in town. It is also home to the Goshen players. Each Labor Day weekend the Goshen Fair takes place at the Goshen Fair Grounds on Route 63 south just outside the center of town. Similar in nature to the Agricultural Fair having farm animal judgement shows, competition and contest in log chopping, log sawing, haybale throwing and the like. There are food, art, photography, baked goods, and craft contests. Rides for children, vendors of craft goods and food vendor are also present. Attendance over the three days can range up to 50,000 people
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 45.2 square miles (117 km2), of which, 43.7 square miles (113 km2) of it is land and 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2) of it (3.43%) is water. A large portion of the Mohawk State Forest is located in the town. The Appalachian Trail formerly passed through the town until it was re-routed west of the Housatonic River.
Other minor communities and geographic areas in the town are: Hall Meadow, North Goshen, Tyler Lake, West Side, and Woodridge Lake. Woodrige lake is private. It is only available to residents (it is not a gated community). They have access to the clubhouse, and all of the lake's beaches.
The town was incorporated in 1739, one year after settlement of the town center began. The Congregational Church was founded the following year. During the 18th century, Goshen was a farming, and later, prosperous business community. The town manufactured musket rifles during the American Revolution. Other notable business include the pineapple cheese factory and the Brooks pottery shop.
The first school in Goshen was built in 1753. A seminary for young women was established in 1819. The Goshen Academy was established several years later and became a well-regarded preparatory school during the 19th century.