In 1640 settlers from the New Haven Colony purchased land from the Siwanoy Indians in the area now known as Old Greenwich. Shortly thereafter the English joined the Dutch in a dispute with the Siwanoys which resulted in their massacre. After the disappearance of most of the Indians the industrious newcomers carved out larger and larger land holdings on which to raise potatoes, grain, and fruit. Settlements grew along the shore from Stamford on the east to the Byram River on the west and north to the border with New York State. By 1730 the 50 square miles which comprise present day Greenwich were laid out. For its first 200 years the acquisition and cultivation of farm land was the major enterprise of residents, although grist mills signaled the beginnings of local industry and active shipping was conducted from the Mianus River. The relative calm of these years was broken by the Revolutionary War. Greenwich was a garrison Town which experienced occupation by both British and American armies as well as raids from irregulars. The seven-year long war was fought on the roads and farms of Greenwich destroying homes, crops, and human lives.

The coming of the railroad in 1848 marked a significant improvement in transportation and brought increasing numbers of new residents to Greenwich. The Irish came to work on the railroad and settled close to Greenwich Avenue, the Town center. In an adjacent neighborhood called Chickahominy, Italian stonemasons congregated to be near the Byram quarries. Other Italians settled further east in North Mianus where they worked in the Mianus Woolen Mill. The Germans went to Byram, then know as East Port Chester, and found work in the Abendroth Foundry. Glenville, on the Byram River, attracted Poles who worked in the felt mill and Russell Burdsall & Ward, manufacturers of nuts and bolts. Each of these areas developed as distinct neighborhoods which have continued to be home to second and third generation descendants.

Greenwich also developed as a resort catering to New Yorkers wishing to escape the noxious city for the summer. Along the shore, hotels were erected to house, feed, and entertain these visitors. Many decided to build homes in Greenwich, creating such areas as Belle Haven, Field Point Park, Byram Shore and Rock Ridge. People with easily recognizable names - Benedict, Bruce, Converse, Gimble, Havemeyer, Mallory, Milbank , Rockefeller, and Teagle - amassed large land holdings upon which to build the estates for which Greenwich is famous. These families became great benefactors to the new community.

The 20th century burst upon Greenwich with yet another improvement in transportation. The trolley from Rye to Stamford connected Greenwich from west to east with a convenient, in-Town service. The automobile then took precedence after the First World War. In 1938 the Merritt Parkway cut through the northern section of Greenwich, followed in 1957 by I-95 on the south. Once again new arrivals swelled the population of Greenwich. This time the newcomers were the employees of corporations leaving New York City for suburban headquarters. While the beginning of the century saw the creation of great landed estates, the post World War II period witnessed their dissolution into smaller building lots which accommodated the new residents. Growth and development brought about the reorganization of Town government, the consolidation of the school system, and the establishment of a network of independent, non-profit organizations which supply the Town with its social services and cultural institutions. The second half of the century saw a growing concern in Greenwich for protecting its heritage, resulting in the creation of two local historic districts, twenty-three buildings and areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the acquisition of undeveloped land as park and conservation areas. Greenwich is a special place to its residents who work hard as volunteers in its behalf.

The above brief history of the town of Greenwich is provided by the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich, a private, non-profit organization which is supported by membership and contributions.

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