Town of
Thomaston
About Thomaston
The story of Thomaston is deeply connected to Seth Thomas, who arrived in Plymouth Hollow in 1813 to manufacture clocks. By 1856, he was branding his clocks with the name "Thomas Town."
Seth Thomas and his renowned clocks were instrumental in shaping the town's development, including influencing the route of the Naugatuck Railroad to connect the area with the brass mills of Waterbury. In honor of his legacy, the town officially became Thomaston on July 6, 1875.
From these early beginnings, Thomaston evolved into a vibrant New England mill town. Today, its proud manufacturing heritage lives on with businesses spanning industries such as metalworking, electronics, defense contracting, and cosmetics packaging. The town is also home to skilled tradespeople and craftspeople who enrich the community.
Thomaston offers a variety of historical, cultural, and recreational experiences. Landmark Community Theatre at the historic Thomaston Opera House hosts numerous productions each year, while the Railroad Museum of New England provides year-round train tours and festive holiday events. St. Thomas Church, the final parish of Blessed Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, adds to the town’s rich heritage.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Northfield Brook Lake and Thomaston Dam offer hiking, picnicking, and trail biking opportunities. Nearby Black Rock State Park features swimming and camping, while Nystrom’s Pond serves as the town's premier recreation facility with a track, swimming area, ball fields, and picnic spots.
Thomaston’s seasonal events add to its charm. The winter holidays kick off with Light Up Thomaston, while summer features a weekly concert series at Seth Thomas Park and the Annual Firemen’s Parade and Carnival. Fall highlights include the Annual Car Show in the town center and the Diane Burr Memorial 5K Flag Run/Walk on Veterans Day.
Visitors to Thomaston can enjoy a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from sandwiches and pizza to fine Italian, Chinese, Thai, sushi, and seafood. The town even boasts its own brew pub, adding to its appeal as a dining destination.
Thomaston’s residents take pride in their strong sense of community and civic engagement. Volunteers play a vital role in emergency services, boards, and commissions. The community also supports initiatives such as keeping the local food pantry stocked and assisting neighbors in need.
While celebrating its rich history, Thomaston is focused on the future. The town recently earned Sustainable CT Bronze-level certification and is actively designing sections of the Naugatuck River Greenway. Renovations to Seth Thomas Park in the historic town center will further enhance arts and cultural offerings. Additionally, plans are underway for a year-long celebration of Thomaston’s 150th anniversary, beginning with Light Up Thomaston 2024.
Thomaston is a town proud of its history, its people, and its culture. Whether you’re a newcomer or a visitor, this Town for All Time looks forward to sharing all that makes its community special.