Thompson

THOMPSON The territory which the Nipmuc Indians called "Quinnatisset", now included in the town of Thompson, was settled in 1693. The first settler, Richard Evans of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, purchased 200 acres in the vicinity of Quinnatisset Hill. At first part of Killingly, Thompson was incorporated in 1785 as a distinct town and derived its name from its principal landholder, Sir Robert Thompson of Middlesex, England. Many examples of early architecture can be seen preserved in the dwellings and public buildings of Thompson. The Vernon Stiles Inn, established in 1814, was a favorite stop for travelers along the Boston to Hartford and Providence to Springfield "pikes". (Continued on other side) THOMPSON (Continued from other side) The Thompson Bank, incorporated in 1833, was moved in 1963 to Old Sturbridge Village, where it stands as a monument to early mill town culture. The Old Town Hall, dating from 1842, remains on the west side of the Common, and the Congregational Church, completed in 1856, stands on the east side. Ellen D. Larned (1825-1912), historian and author of the History of Windham County, resided here on Thompson Hill. Ithiel Town (1784-1844), noted architect, was also a native of Thompson.