The roots of Huntington, in Scotland Connecticut

As most of you know, I live in the Huntington section of Shelton. For the roots of how Huntington got its
name we travel to Scotland Connecticut. Scotland is one of those towns in the state that has stayed the
same since its inception. Roll...ing hills, farms, stonewalls fills its landscape. The population is relatively
small with close 1,800 people in town. Their government is made up of eight boards and commissions,
with 1st selectmen in charge. While many towns in the Nutmeg State have changed their landscape and
grown in population, Scotland remains similar to the day it was founded in 1857. Route 14 (Huntington
Road) was once an old Indian Path that ran all the way to Narragansett Bay. Its nick name was once, The
Great Road. Great things continue to happen in Scotland to this day. The Scotland Games, hosted by the
town celebrates the Scottish Heritage. Events such as piping drumming, dancing, sheep dog
demonstrations topped off with food and vendors fill the venue. These games have taken place for over
25 years. Your next question is probably, so does Scotland Connecticut have any relations to the country
itself? lsn't it ironic, that a town in Connecticut named Scotland celebrates the Scottish Culture? Actually, it
does. lsaac Magoon, who purchased over 1,500 acres of the land in this area is said to have named the
town after his ancestral home. As for the name Huntington, we need to travel back in time to the years
1781 to 1789. ln these formative years for our country, near the end of the Revolutionary War and
before we elected our 1“ President George Washington, our country was run by the Congress of the
Confederation. This was the first form of central government that ran our country at the time. The
confederation grew out of what was the 2nd Continental Congress and ended near the time of our 1“
President. This is where Samuel Huntington, born and breed in Scotland comes into play. He became the
1“ presiding officer for the confederation in the year 1781.You might even argue, that maybe was the 1“
president of the United States. Hey someone had to be in charge, right? Either way his birthplace house
still exist in town and is a must visit. Samuel Huntington was also a signer of the Declaration of
Independence and the 18"‘ governor of our state. Shelton may have received Samuels name in honor of
him, but the roots of the whole country just may have been born right here in Scotland.