Long before the Kent School rowers appeared on the Housatonic River, the town of Kent, Connecticut, was already flourishing with farmers, ironworkers, and small hamlets tucked into the hills of Litchfield County. Incorporated in 1739, Kent began as a farming community and a major iron ore producer. Today, it remains a rural community of roughly 3000 residents, made up of several hamlets including Bulls Bridge, Kent Hollow, South Kent, and the Cobble (Town of Kent).
According to the official website of the Town of Kent, “While Kent is primarily residential with some small industry and farms, the downtown area has become a day trip destination for many.” Visitors can find owner-operated shops, art galleries, and restaurants, as well as the striking Civil War Soldiers Monument. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Kent also offers hiking, biking, camping, and fishing at state and local parks, plus some of the most scenic fall driving in Connecticut.
But behind the peaceful and breathtaking scenery, there lies a deeper history. Long before Kent School was founded in 1906, the land was home to the Schaghticoke people, and later to iron furnace workers who helped fuel the American Revolution. These workers labored in blast furnaces that turned local iron ore into metal used for cannons, tools, and household goods. For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, Kent’s iron industry was the core part of its economy, drawing families to the area and shaping the small hamlets that still exist today.
As the iron industry declined in the late 1800s, the town gradually shifted away from heavy manufacturing and toward education, tourism, and residential life. The founding of Kent School in 1906 eventually brought new attention and new residents to the area. Today, Kent is also home to two other private preparatory schools— South Kent School and Marvelwood School— in addition to Kent Center School, the public K-8 school.
Despite these changes, much of the old part of Kent still remains. Walking through, you will still find the same winding roads and historic buildings that have stood for centuries. The covered bridge on Swifts Highway, the old furnace, and the Civil War monument at the center of town all serve as reminders of where Kent came from. At the same time, the town has embraced its new identity as a destination for artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. Whether you are a student at one of the schools, a longtime resident, or just passing through for a day trip, the town of Kent continues to offer something special: a community that honors its past while looking toward the future.
