Madison

In Yankee Magazine (2012) listed "Best Beach Towns," Madison, Connecticut, the only state entry. In addition to its outstanding beaches, the town also offers woodlands and residential neighborhoods. Its charming, pedestrian-friendly downtown appeals to many tastes and interests, offering an award-winning bookstore, art cinema, tea emporium, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants, clothing and gift boutiques. The E.C. Scranton Memorial Library and a large town green anchor the downtown. Visitors have a choice of a waterfront luxury hotel or several bed and breakfast establishments within walking distance of downtown and beaches. Madison is a combination of small-town charm and urban sophistication create a compelling community in which to live or visit.

This area, formerly part of Guilford and known as East Guilford, was first settled about 1650 on land bought from the Nehantic and Mohegan Indians in 1641. With the population increasing, settlers here sought separate parishes. The Society of East Guilford was incorporated in 1707 and the Society in North Madison, called North Bristol, in 1753.

 

The Town of Madison, named for President James Madison, was incorporated in 1826.

This was once a center for fishing, shipping, shipbuilding, farming, and crayon manufacturing. Famous people born here include Thomas Chittenden, first Governor of Vermont; philanthropist Daniel Hand; artist Gilbert Munger; and Cornelius Scranton Bushnell the chief sponsor of the Civil War ironclad warship USS Monitor.