Newington, CT

Newington is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 17,827 at the 2010 census. It is part of the New York metropolitan area.

The town was first settled in 1638 by English Puritans who were fleeing religious persecution in England. The town's name is derived from the parish of Old Newington in London where many of these settlers had lived. The first church built in Newington was on what is now known as Church Street and was dedicated on July 1, 1639.

In 1775, during the American Revolution, British troops burned down much of the town including the church on Church Street. After the war ended and peace returned to New England, reconstruction began and by 1800 most of the buildings destroyed during the Revolution had been rebuilt.

Newington became an important center for textile manufacturing beginning in 1812 when James Hargrove established a cotton mill on what is now known as Mill Street. This mill became one of America's largest cotton mills and employed more than 1,000 workers by 1850. Other industries that developed in Newington during this time included shoe manufacturing (1825), foundry (1828), printing (1835), and hat making (1837).

In 1892 Samuel Insull opened America's first electric power plant near what is now known as Insull Park which made electricity available to businesses and homes for the first time ever. This plant played a major role in developing modern day electrical grids across North America and Europe.

Today, much of Newington's historic architecture remains intact including many 19th century mills which have been converted into luxury apartments or condos. Additionally, several new businesses have opened up including a Whole Foods Market store (2010), Applebee's restaurant (2011), Bed Bath & Beyond store (2012), Staples store (2013), Dunkin' Donuts store (2014) ,and Wegmans grocery store(2015). These new businesses have helped to revitalize downtown Newington which has seen significant growth over recent years