Madison, CT
Madison’s story began in July of 1639, when the Reverend Henry Whitfield led a small group of English settlers to the Quinnipiac Colony to begin planning a new community on land they were about to purchase from the Pequot, Menunketuck, Hammonasset, and Mohegan Indians.
By 1656, the settlement was established as a parish of Guilford, comprising 48 families who promptly named their new town East Guilford. Eventually, they petitioned to build their own meetinghouse and in 1703 their petition was approved. It wasn’t until May of 1826, however, that East Guilford became a separate town, taking Madison as its new name to honor John Madison, one of America’s Founding Fathers.
Though Madison was once home to industries such as shipbuilding, charcoal production, and milling, agriculture was its claim to fame until the late 19th century, when it became mostly residential. And while its beautiful beaches have certainly garnered Madison more than a little renown as a wonderful tourist destination, it remains largely residential, with very fine schools, a comfortable level of affluence, and close ties to the nautical and maritime history of the Sound.
The portion of the Route 1 — also known as the Boston Post Road — that lies between Britton Lane to the west and Scotland Avenue to the east is a cheerful hub of commerce, culture, and entertainment, including the town’s charming Madison Green Historic District; R.J. Julia Booksellers, one of the nation’s finest independent bookstores; the Madison Cinemas, a restored double-screen movie house; and the Madison Wine Exchange. The diversity of restaurants and coffee shops include the quintessentially old-time Madison Coffee House, Café Allegre, R.J. Café & Bistro, Fat Duck Tavern, The Old Schoolhouse Deli, and Bar Bouchée, all favorites with residents and visitors alike. And the same stretch includes an intriguing string of retail shops, such as Susan Powell Fine Art — offering high quality pieces by award-winning artists and expert guidance on collecting; Silver Moon, with sterling silver jewelry in both contemporary and traditional styles. And right off Route 1 on Wall Street are Gulick & Co. Renovation Contractors — as well as the Madison Sculpture Mile, a changing exhibition of outdoor sculpture scattered throughout the town center and a delightful adventure.
Following Route 1 east, you’ll find yourself at Hammonasset Beach State Park, the longest public beach on Connecticut’s coastline. The park itself includes a wonderful beach and boardwalk, Meigs Point Nature Center, and a very popular campground, drawing more annual visitors than any other park in the state. And near the entrance are Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale, as well as Donahue’s Clam Castle with the original owners once again running the show. Both serve the best of the Sound’s tasty bounty.
Extending northward nearly 15 miles is Madison’s primarily rural and residential community, with development limited by such protected space as the Cockaponset State Forest, the town-owned Rockland Preserve, and the 1,600 acres under the stewardship of the Madison Land Conservation Trust. Take Durham Road off Route 1 heading north, and you’ll find Madison Earth Care — an exceptional landscaping company that has called the town home for over 50 years.
Madison also offers four town beaches, along with several coastal access areas, including the neighborhoods on Seaview Avenue, Middle Beach Road, and Neck Road. All are filled with year-round and seasonal cottages and small enterprises that provide sailboards and sea kayak rentals, as well as other summer must-haves.
Nearby woodlands, wetlands, and marshlands are among the most tranquil and undisturbed habitats in the state, and the residents, who cherish the beauty of this lovely town, work hard to keep it that way.
