Waterford (Connecticut)

Waterford is a town in New London County, Connecticut, United States. It is named after Waterford, Ireland. The population was 19,517 at the 2010 census. The town center is listed as a census-designated place (CDP) and had a population of 2,887 at the 2010 census.GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 115.4km2, of which 84.9km2 is land and 30.5km2, or 26.43%, is water. The town center CDP has a total area of 4.9km2, all land. Waterford is bordered on the west by the Niantic River.Principal communitiesGranitevilleJordanMillstoneMorningside ParkQuaker Hill (06375)Bartlett Point, Best View, Cohanzie, Thames View Other minor communities and geographic features are Dufree Hill, East Neck, Fog Plain, Gilead, Goshen, Great Neck, Harrisons, Lake's Pond, Logger Hill, Mago Point, Magonk, Mullen Hill, Oswegatchie, Pepperbox Road, Pleasure Beach, Ridgewood Park, Riverside Beach, Spithead, Strand, West Neck.HistoryFoundingThe first people emigrated from England in 1637, and came to the New London and Waterford area . One of the first people who set sail for this area was John Winthrop, Jr. Waterford got its name for its proximity to being in between two rivers. The residents of Waterford resided in wigwams until they dug up plots for 38 houses near the Great Neck area. John Winthrop was given several hundred acres of land, including Millstone Point and Alewife Cove. Various dams, mills, and ponds were constructed in these area. The only expansion of people in the Waterford-New London area were the growth of families and children. Later on, more people immigrated to Waterford, including the Welsh, Italian, Russian, Irish, and Scottish.