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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". Back
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.
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