Archeology

The state's archaeologist Nicholas Bellantoni, a professor at the University of Connecticut conducted a dig in the Summer of 1991. The site is a 7,000 to 8,000 year-old Indian campsite and hunting area in the Pequonnock River Valley. The sites are primarily hunting and gathering areas. The objectives of this dig is the test the integrity of the sites and map out the whole area.

There will be more information to dig up soon.

Books

1. The Mountain Biker's Guide to Southern New England, by Paul Angiolillo. Published by Menasha Ridge Press, Birmingham, 3169 Cahaba heights Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, pp. 132-135 (1993).

2. Valley Guide Book, Published by the Trumbull Times, Box 298, Trumbull, CT 06611 (1990)
   

History

The history of the Pequonnock River Valley can be told throught its geology or archaeology which brings us back millions of years ago. My web server has given me only one meg so another alternative would be to start the history of the Pequonnock River Valley in 1836. Andrew Tait will build a paper and strawboard mill along the Pequonnock and in that same year a charter was granted to Enoch Foote, William Peet and William C. Stirling for the creation of the Housatonic Railroad. This railroad would link Bridgeport to New Milford along the Housatonic Valley. Just north of Bridgeport the railway would travel alnong the Pequonnock River in what would be called the Pequonnock River Valley.

Trumbull's First Selectman Morag Vance signs a contract with Charles Reed of the State Department of Environmental Protection and Anthony Macleod of the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company for the joint Town and State purchase of the Pequonnock River Valley. Final closing is on December 29th, 1989 for 382 acres at a cost of $9,275,000.

Work on the Railroad started in July 1837. 300 men entered the west section of the Pequonnock Valley with shovels, picks and blasting equipment. One-horse dump carts and wheelbarrows were used to create a railroad grade that remains to this day. By February 11th, 1840 the first steam train traveled through the valley. Sometime in the 19th century Andrew Tait will sell his property to the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company.

In the 18th century the Pequonnock River Valley remained in its natural state as it has been since the last ice age. During the 19th century a strong industrial base will emerge in the Pequonnock Valley and by the end of the 20th century, the valley will return to its natural state with archaeological reamins fading into oblivion.

In the late 1800's several major companies controlled the valley:

• The Housatonic Railroad Company maintained a rail line, two train stations, cow tunnels, bridges, retaining walls along with the Parlor Rock Amusement Park.
• The Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (BHC) built a reservoir one mile north of Trumbull Center. A large stone/dirt dam backed up water that covered 93 acres.
• An Ice House was built (135ft X 75ft) between the railroad and the reservoir.
• Mill Pond built south of Parlor Rock where Radcliffe's Knit Mill was located on the east side and the Long Hill Saw Mill on the west side.
• Tungsten Mining Company operated a full scale operation north of Parlor Rock.

In the 1900's the valley's industry will vanish and the valley will revert to its original state. Floods destroy the mills along the river. Fire destroys the Radcliffe Factory and the mining operations. Parlor Rock closes. The railroad is dismantled as the automobile becomes the machine of the century. The reservoir is drained and the dam destroyed in 1935 after a boy drowns.

Another Dam Idea

In 1971 the US Corps of Engineers under took a project to study the feasibility of building a dam and reservior near the site of last centuries site. This proposal called for a 135 ft height and 950 ft long dam that would extend the water 2.5 miles upstream thus creating a 285 acre reservior. The project was only a study and never materialized. All we can say is that it was just another "dam idea" for the Pequonnock River Valley.

Links

1. NEMBA Pequonnock River Valley and Old Mine Park Page

2. Pequonnock River Valley Photographs

3. Trumbull Land Trust Home Page.

Location

The Pequonnock River Valley State Park is located in Trumbull, Connecticut, USA. Eight miles north of Bridgeport Connecticut.

Maps

1. Guide Map by L & J Printers, 1030 Madison Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606 (1990)

2. Hiking Trails:Pequonnock River Valley Park. Printed by Hometown Publications, Inc. and the Trumbull Times Inc. (1996).

3. Map of the Pequonnock River Valley

Mountain Biking

The Pequonnock River Valley boasts over 550 acres of parkland and several rugged mountain biking trails. There are presently no restrictions on mountain biking in the area. However, bird hunting is permitted from October 20th to December 22nd on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You may still use the valley during this period. The west side of the park there is a level railroad grade approximately three miles in length. The east side of the park is very technical with a wide variety of terrain over a short distance. If you are not familiar there is a group that meets every Sunday morning at Tait Road & Church Hill Road. Just tag along for an initial introduction to area. So fasten your toe-clips and head to the Pequonnock River Valley.

Movies

A video was shot by Dr. John Willis and Trumbull Times publisher Ben Gumm. The title of the video is callled Trumbull's Pequonnock River Valley: The Movie. This full color film takes you up-close to all the significant historical sites and natural wonders of the Pequonnock River Valley. You'll venture inside caves used by Indian hunting parites, explore the ruins of Radcliffe's knit mill, venture through a farmer's cow tunner, relive the great train wreck of 1905 and much more. In 1989/1990 this film was sold by the Trumbull High School Media Center. There is a copy at the Trumbull Public Library for loan.

Parks

The Northern part of the PRV is boardered by three parks. Indian Ledge Park, Old Mine Park and Parlor Rock Park.

Periodicals

Passages-Connecticut by Wayne Sakal,Mountain Bike Magazine, (Vol. 7 No. 4) Published by Rodale Press. pg 26 April 1991.

Wildlife

MAMMALS

• Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
• Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus budsonicus)
• Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus)
• Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus)
• White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
• Coyote (Canis latrans)

BIRDS

• Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Canadian Goose (Branta canadensis)
• Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
• Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
• Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea)
• Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passering)
• Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
• Cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis)
• Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
• Robin (Turdus migratorius)
• Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

AMPHIBIANS

REPTILES

• Northern Black Racer Snake (Coluber constrictor)

Et al

I will not attempt to list all of the invertabrates (ie the bugs, worms and other things that go bump in the night).