According to countryvv, Ashford, Connecticut is located in the eastern portion of the state, and is part of Windham County. It has a total area of 29.2 square miles, with 20.3 square miles of it being land and 8.9 square miles being water. The town is bordered by Eastford on the north, Union on the east, Willington on the south, and Woodstock on the west.
The terrain in Ashford is mostly hilly and mountainous with some flat areas as well. The highest point in town is at 1,249 feet above sea level near Eastford Mountain Road. The land slopes down from there towards the two rivers that flow through town: Natchaug River and Willimantic River.
The majority of Ashford’s land is forested with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees including maple, oak, birch, pine and hemlock trees providing plenty of shade for its residents during hot summer days. There are also several ponds scattered throughout town which provide excellent fishing opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Ashford has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters due to its location near the Atlantic Ocean where temperatures can drop significantly during winter months due to cold air masses coming down from Canada or up from New England states such as Maine or Vermont. During springtime temperatures start to rise again as snow melts away giving way to blooming flowers all around town before summer arrives bringing warm temperatures for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping in one of its many forests or parks that are located within Ashford’s borders.
History of Ashford, Connecticut
Ashford, Connecticut has a long and colorful history that dates back to the early 17th century. The area was first settled in 1673 by English Puritans from Massachusetts and Connecticut who were granted land by the local Native American tribes in exchange for goods. The town was officially incorporated in 1714 and named after Ashford, Kent in England.
Throughout its history, Ashford has been a rural farming community with its main industries being agriculture, lumbering, and later on textiles. The town was known for its production of woolen goods until the early 20th century when the industry declined due to competition from larger factories elsewhere.
In the late 19th century, Ashford became a popular tourist destination as people started to discover its scenic beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and skiing that it had to offer. This trend continued into the 20th century with an influx of summer visitors coming to enjoy the fresh air of Ashford’s countryside.
Today, the town is still home to many small farms but it has also become a popular place for people looking for a quiet getaway or retirement home due to its beautiful scenery and proximity to larger cities such as Hartford or Boston. Despite this growth, Ashford has managed to retain much of its rural charm which makes it unique amongst other towns in Connecticut.
Economy of Ashford, Connecticut
The economy of Ashford, Connecticut is largely based on agriculture and tourism. Farming has been an integral part of the town’s history since its founding in 1673 and today it remains an important industry in the area. The majority of farms are small family-owned operations that grow a variety of crops such as corn, wheat, hay and vegetables.
Tourism has also become an increasingly important part of the local economy due to its scenic beauty and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting and skiing that it has to offer. The town is home to several state parks, forests and wildlife areas which attract visitors from all over New England during the summer months.
In addition to agriculture and tourism, Ashford is home to several small businesses including retail stores, restaurants, bed & breakfasts, antique shops, art galleries and wineries. These businesses provide employment opportunities for local residents while contributing to the town’s economy by attracting visitors from nearby towns and cities.
The town also benefits from its proximity to larger cities such as Hartford or Boston which provide additional job opportunities for residents as well as access to more diverse cultural experiences. In recent years there has been a trend towards retirees settling in Ashford due to its quiet atmosphere and rural charm which further contributes to the town’s economic growth.
Politics in Ashford, Connecticut
Ashford, Connecticut is a town with a long and rich political history. It was founded in 1710 and has since been the home of several prominent politicians, including two U.S. Senators. The town has also been home to numerous mayors, selectmen, and other local leaders.
The political climate in Ashford is one of cooperation and compromise between the town’s residents and local government representatives. This is evidenced by the fact that the town has had several mayors who have served for multiple terms in office due to the support of their constituents. This is also seen through the work of local boards such as the Board of Education which works closely with parents and educators to ensure that students receive a quality education.
The citizens of Ashford are generally progressive when it comes to politics, although there are some differences between various neighborhoods within the town. For example, some areas are more conservative while others are more liberal in their views on social issues such as healthcare or immigration reform. Despite these differences though, most people agree on core issues such as education reform or economic development initiatives that benefit all members of the community regardless of their political affiliations.