Nov 18 Program on the Woodbury Path in Oxford

Even before there were cars, Connecticut had roads. In this program, guest speakers Barbara and Peter Rzasa will discuss the most historic travel route in the Naugatuck Valley -- the Woodbury Path. Many centuries ago, it was used by Native Americans to gain access to the Naugatuck and Housatonic rivers and Long Island Sound.

By the late 1600's, settlers had established farms in what is now Oxford and Seymour and needed a way to bring wheat, corn, pork and cheese to market. The path was widened, first to accommodate horses and then ox carts. Eventually, it connected Woodbury with Derby, which was then an important port for ships that carried products to New York, Boston and the West Indies. In short, the Woodbury Path played a vital role in allowing trade and industry to flourish in the Naugatuck Valley.

View a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Woodbury Path's history, route, and evidence of what may be original portions of the Path still in existence. The Oxford Historical Society will sponsor the program on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Christ Church, Quaker Farms Rd, Oxford.

Admission will be free for Historical Society Members and for children under age 12. Others will be $5.00. Those who wish to take out a 2019 Membership in the Historical Society that afternoon will also receive free admission. All proceeds will help the Historical Society in our ongoing preservation efforts.