Editing Wallingford, Connecticut (section)

== History ==
Wallingford, Connecticut, is deeply woven into the fabric of early American history, from its founding to its connection with some of the most influential figures of the colonial era. Established on October 10, 1667, by the [[Connecticut General Assembly]], Wallingford was founded by a group of 38 planters and freemen, including notable figures such as John Moss, Samuel Street, and Robert Wallace. These early settlers chose a strategic location near the [[Quinnipiac River]], which is now the area known as Main Street. By May 12, 1670, the settlement had grown to include 126 residents living in temporary housing, and by 1675, 40 permanent homes had been constructed, signaling the town's early growth and stability.

One of Wallingford’s early settlers was [[Thomas Yale (Wallingford)|Thomas Yale]], an influential figure in the New Haven Colony and an ancestor of Elihu Yale, the benefactor after whom [[Yale University]] is named. Thomas Yale was a signatory of the Wallingford plantation covenant in 1667, marking the formal establishment of the town.

Wallingford’s historical significance extends to its involvement in key moments of colonial America. In 1697, the town became the site of New England's last witchcraft trial when Winifred Benham was accused of witchcraft. She was tried three times in Wallingford but was acquitted on each occasion, marking the end of the witch trials in the region. This event reflects the lingering fears and superstitions of the era, even as the fervor of the Salem witch trials had begun to fade.

The town also played a critical role in America’s fight for independence, with [[Lyman Hall]] being one of its most distinguished sons. Born in Wallingford in 1724, Lyman Hall went on to become a prominent physician and statesman who represented Georgia in the Continental Congress. Hall was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, underscoring Wallingford’s deep ties to the founding of the United States. His contributions to the Revolutionary cause exemplify the town’s commitment to the ideals of liberty and self-governance.

As Wallingford entered the 19th century, it began to transform from an agricultural community into an industrial hub. The arrival of the railroad in the 1840s, specifically the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad|New Haven and Hartford Railroad]] (later part of the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad|New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad]]), further accelerated the town's growth. The railroad connected Wallingford to larger markets in the Northeast, facilitating the transport of goods, including the town's famous silver products, and spurring the development of new industries.

Wallingford became particularly renowned for its silver production, with companies like Hall, Elton & Co., [[Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.|Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co]]., and [[R. Wallace & Sons]] gaining national prominence. One of the key figures in this industry was [[Samuel Simpson House|Samuel Simpson]], a local industrialist and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in Wallingford’s rise as a center of silver manufacturing. Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., which he co-founded, became one of the leading producers of silverware in the country. Samuel Simpson’s contributions were instrumental in establishing Wallingford as a major hub for silver production. His company eventually became part of the [[International Silver Company]], headquartered in the neighboring city of Meriden, which solidified the region's status as a global center for silver manufacturing.

In the 19th century, Wallingford was also the birthplace of [[Moses Yale Beach|Moses Y. Beach]], a prominent figure in American journalism. Born in 1800, Beach became the owner of the [[The Sun (New York City)|New York Sun]] and was known for pioneering the "penny press," making newspapers affordable to the general public. He is also credited for being a leading founder of the [[Associated Press]].

However, Wallingford was not immune to tragedy. On August 9, 1878, a devastating [[1878 Wallingford tornado|tornado]] struck the town, leaving a path of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 29, and possibly as many as 34, residents. This tornado remains the deadliest in Connecticut's history, and the disaster left a lasting impact on the community.

The 20th century marked a period of suburbanization for Wallingford, as the town transitioned from an industrial hub to a residential community while retaining its economic diversity. The post-World War II era saw significant growth in Wallingford’s population, driven by the suburban boom that reshaped much of America. New housing developments sprang up, attracting families looking for a balance between the conveniences of city life and the charm of a smaller town.

Despite the suburbanization, Wallingford continued to attract businesses, maintaining a robust economic base. The town became a hub for various industries, including medical, healthcare, high-tech specialty manufacturing, and research and development. The development of several industrial parks—Barnes Industrial Park, Casimir Pulaski Industrial Park, Centract Park, and MedWay Industrial Park—helped attract a wide range of businesses, further diversifying Wallingford's tax base. The establishment of an Interchange Zone at the intersection of Interstate 91 and Route 68 facilitated the growth of office parks, research centers, and hotels, cementing Wallingford's role as a key economic center in the region.

One of the most significant industrial presences in Wallingford during the late 20th and early 21st centuries was the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The pharmaceutical giant established a research and development facility in Wallingford's MedWay Industrial Park, becoming the town's largest taxpayer and a key contributor to its economy. However, in 2017, Bristol-Myers Squibb relocated its operations, and the facility was subsequently demolished in 2018.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Charles Henry Stanley |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwalling00daviiala |title=History of Wallingford, Conn., from its settlement in 1670 to the present time, including Meriden, which was one of its parishes until 1806, and Chesire, which was incorporated in 1780 |date=1870 |publisher=Meriden, Conn. : The Author |others=University of California Libraries}}</ref><gallery widths="200" heights="145" mode="packed">
File:PostcardWallingfordCTNewYorkInsulatedWireCompanyFactoryCirca1910.jpg|New York Insulated Wire Company, 1910.
File:PostcardWallingfordCTLibryAndMarlboroughHouse1909.jpg|Library and Marlborough House, {{circa|1909}}.
File:PostcardQuinniipiacRiverBridgeWallingfordCT1907.jpg|Bridge and falls at [[Quinnipiac River]] in Wallingford, 1907.
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