Bantam was the designation originally given to a wide surrounding area at the time of the incorporation of the town of Litchfield in 1720. Later it became to refer to a more localized section within the town as it is today.
The origin of the name of Bantam has never been positively established, but may have come from some native American word heard by very early settlers in the area.
Originally six privilidges or rights for dams were granted along the Bantam river, begining with a forge and slitting mill established during the revolutionary war (on the present site of the old Warren McArthur Factory.)
In the intervening years there was a cotton mill, paper mill, forges, saw mills, flour mills, and many other industries along the river.
Just west of the center was the Bradley Tavern, a major stopping place on the old New Milford Turnpike. Several houses and a school, were located here and the area was known as Bradleyville.
After the Shepaug Railroad came through in 1872, more community life shifted to the top of the hill in what was known as Bantam falls until 1884 when the post office was changed to Bantam as we know it today.
By 1905 electric power was being generated in the river, and begining at this time, and shortly after, two large factories, the Bantam Ball Bearing Co. and the Trumbull Vanderpoel Electric Mfg. Co. were built. It was also around this time that many of Bantam's streets were layed out.
The Borough of Bantam was formed in 1915 to provide for the growing local need of sidewalks, street lights, police, fire protection and regulation of public health matters.
Today Bantam, one of the few surviving boroughs left in the state moved into the 21st century with a determination and strong local pride that has sustained it for well over the past two hundred years!
Fletcher E. Cooper
Average weather in Bantam, Connecticut Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average (°F) 22.9 25.0 33.7 44.5 55.9 63.8 68.7 67.2 59.6 49.0 39.3 28.5
High temp.(°F) 33.7 36.2 45.3 56.8 68.4 75.6 79.9 78.3 70.5 60.6 49.5 38.3 Low temp.(°F) 12.0 13.7 22.1 32.1 43.4 52.1 57.5 56.1 48.5 37.3 29.0 18.5 Precipitation (in) 4.0 3.1 4.4 4.2 4.5 4.2 4.8 4.7 4.6 4.1 4.2 3.9