2 - Town of Colchester

Much has happened since that time. The Town funded an Historic Resources Study in 1991 to identify important historic
resources. Colchester was recognized by the United States Department of the Interior in 1992 as a Certified Local
Government engaged in historic preservation, thus becoming eligible for funding assistance for local programs. In 1994,
much of the Town Center area was designated a National Historic District and was listed on the National Register Of
Historic Places. A Colchester Town Center Plan (1995) identified processes to preserve and enhance historic resources
in the Town Center. The Zoning & Planning Commission adopted an Historic Preservation Overlay Zone in 1996. In
1998, the Connecticut Historical Commission awarded the Town of Colchester the first “Connecticut Local Government
Achievement Award for Historic Preservation.” Also in 1998, a Town Center Neighborhood Strategic Plan was prepared
by a Neighborhood Revitalization Committee with the assistance of Town staff.
All of these activities and efforts are evidence of Colchester’s continuing commitment to historic preservation.
At this time, Colchester has two historic districts (one national and one local) and seven State-recognized historic places.
The Town also has the Historic Preservation Overlay Zone in the Town Center area to protect the number of resources
that exist in this vicinity.
EXISTING HISTORIC DISTRICTS Description SRHP NRHP
A. Colchester Village National Historic District and
Local Historic Preservation Overlay Zone
National Register Historic District around the Town
Green and adjacent areas and coterminous with a local
zoning overlay district
1967 1994
B. Colchester Historic District Local Historic District overseen by the Colchester
Historic District Commission.
EXISTING HISTORIC PLACES
1. Bacon Academy South Main Street Historic school built in 1803 and Day Hall, built in 1858 1975 1982
2. Hayward House 9 Hayward Avenue Built in 1775 1975 1972
3. Wheeler Block 40 Norwich Avenue Built in 1872. Wheeler Block was the Old Town Hall. 1992 1992
4. Lyman Viaduct Bridge over Dickinson Creek. Built in 1873 1986 1986
5. Stone Arch Railroad Bridge River Road Bridge over River Road. Built in 1887. 1986 1986
6. Blackledge River Railroad Bridge Bridge over the Blackledge River. Built in 1912. 1986 1986
7. Henry Champion House Westchester Road 1972 1972
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) recognizes places that have national significance in architecture,
archaeology, culture, and American history. The State Register of Historic Places (SRHP) recognizes places significant
to the history of Connecticut. Properties on the National Register are now automatically listed on the State Register.
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